§ MR. S. WOODSI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the proposed bye-law of the Thames Conservancy dealing with the manning of craft makes no provision for the manning according to tonnage of empty craft; and, whether the Board of Trade propose to alter such bye-law so as to include empty craft?
The HON MEMBER further asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that the new proposed bye-laws for the navigation of the River 1239 Thames, made by the Thames Conservancy, contain no provision for the barges on the Thames being supplied with proper gear or life-saving apparatus; and, whether the Board of Trade propose to insist on the insertion of regulations dealing with this subject?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE, Croydon)The Conservators of the River Thames have lately submitted bye-laws to the Board of Trade for confirmation, but the time for making objections not having expired, the bye-laws have not yet been considered by the Board. I am, therefore, not able at the present moment to state what action the Board of Trade will take as regards the points raised in the Questions of the hon. Member, but I will take care that any objections or representations which may be made to the Board within the time fixed by the Act shall receive careful consideration.