§ MR. H. C. STEPHENS (Middlesex, Hornsey)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he proposes to hold an Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the command and loss of the Drummond Castle and, if so, when such Inquiry will take place; and whether the friends of deceased passengers will be allowed to be present?
§ MR. RITCHIEAn Inquiry will be held into the circumstances of the loss of the Drummond Castle, and every facility will be given to the friends of those lost who may wish to be present. I am not yet in a position to say when the Inquiry will be held, but there will be no delay. Perhaps I may be allowed to express my sincere sympathy with my hon. Friend in in the great personal loss he has sustained, 1566 and also with all those who have sustained losses in connection with this most deplorable accident. [Cheers.]