§ SIR ARTHUR FORWOOD (Lancashire, Ormskirk)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether 1429 a Board of Trade certificate has yet been given to the Ohio steamer of Hull, the same having been withheld pending the result of a trial voyage with the Belleville boilers with which the vessel was fitted under the inspection of the Board of Trade; if the certificate has not been granted, what are the reasons for its refusal; and, have the Board of Trade so far granted a passenger certificate to any vessel fitted with boilers of that make?
§ MR. RITCHIEA Board of Trade passenger certificate has not been issued for the steamship Ohio of Hull, no application for one having been made by her owners since the trial voyage referred to in the Question. So far, the Board of Trade have not granted a passenger certificate to any vessel fitted with the Belleville boilers. Only one application for the survey of a vessel with boilers of this type has been received, and the case is still under survey.
§ MR. W. ALLAN (Gateshead)Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that an explosion occurred on board the vessel during her last voyage?
§ MR. RITCHIENo, Sir; I am not aware of that, but I will get the information for the hon. Gentleman if he desires to have it.
§ MR. ALLANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire into the matter, and to give us the official report on that explosion?
§ MR. RITCHIEwas understood to signify his assent.