§ MR. SWEETMAN (Wicklow, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether there will be a Hoard of Trade inquiry into the recent loss of the brig Hondeklip on the Goodwin Sands, whereby five seamen lost their lives; whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction in Arklow (to which port the five sailors whose lives were lost belonged) about the action and competency of the person acting as captain; and what certificate John Tyrrell held, and what was its date?
§ MR. MUNDELLAMy attention has been called to the case referred to in the question. A Court of Inquiry would have no power to punish the master even if he was in default, as he did not hold, and was not required by law to hold, a, certificate. Under these circumstances, it is not proposed to hold an inquiry; and I am advised that there is no evidence to justify criminal proceedings in the case.