MR. J. HAVELOCK WILSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the inquiry held into the loss of the British steamship Highbury, and if he is aware that the Court, in giving judgment, stated that ships of the tonnage of the Highbury—namely, 1,232 tons— should carry at least eight A.B.'s, in order to allow of proper reliefs for wheel I and look-out; also that it was proved in evidence that at the time of the vessel I striking there was no one on the look-out, and no one at the wheel but the first mate, the man who should have been engaged on these duties being then at other ship's work; and if he will direct the Marine Department of the Board of Trade to issue notices intimating to shipowners that they are hold responsible under the Merchant Shipping Act for loss of life at sea caused by ships being unseaworthy?
§ MR. BURT (who replied)said: Yes, Sir. The attention of the Board of Trade has been called to the case of the Highbury, the facts with regard to which are as stated in the question. The opinion of the Court as to the sufficiency of the crew of the ship will be placed before the Manning Committee, but it is not considered desirable at the present moment to issue any special notice to shipowners with respect. to their liabilities for sending unseaworthy ships to sea.