§ MR. CHARLES SHAW (Stafford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether it has been brought to his notice that a steamer, called the Norse King, chartered by Messrs. Gaze and Son, ran on the rocks in Zante Bay in March last; whether a Board of Trade Inquiry has been or is going to be made into the causes of the accident; and, whether more strict regulations could be framed for the protection of passengers by such excursion steamers?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe steamer Norse King when approaching the town of Zante in March last stranded on a ledge of rocks. An Inquiry was held at Malta, and the certificate of the Master was suspended for one month, the Court being of opinion that he had transgressed an elementary rule of prudence and seamanship. The requirements of the Merchant Shipping Act are, I think, sufficient for the protection of passengers, though they cannot provide against unforeseen dangers or errors of judgment.