§ MR. J. HAVELOCK WILSON (Middlesbrough)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the terms of certificates granted to small steam passenger vessels plying on the river Clyde (Scotland) are being infringed, inasmuch that certain certificates issued by the Board of Trade, and held by the Clyde Trustees for the navigation of what is locally known in Glasgow as the cross ferries of that port stipulate that three men should be carried on each vessel, whereas the Clyde Trustees, who 238 hold ten such certificates, only provide two men on each vessel; and what steps tie proposes to take, in the interest of public safety, to have the terms of these certificates complied with?
§ MR. BRYCEI am not aware that the terms of the passenger certificates granted to the Clyde Trustees in respect of their ferry steamers are being infringed. There is no stipulation regarding the number of the crews to be carried, though in fact the certificates contain a statement as to the number proposed to be carried. I do not know, but will ascertain from the Clyde Trustees the number of crew in fact carried on their ferry boats. The Board of Trade have, however, no power to make or enforce any regulations as to the number of crew to be carried in such vessels.
§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONI would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will bring in a Bill to make regulations in these cases?