§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state when the inquiry regarding the loss of the Puffin will be held; whether it will be public, and will the evidence be taken on oath; and whether a guarantee will be given that employees giving evidence shall be protected from any unpleasant consequences?
§ MR. RITCHIEInstructions have been given to hold the inquiry regarding the loss of the Puffin forthwith, but no date has yet been fixed. The inquiry will be public, and the evidence will be taken on oath. The hon. Member may rest assured that every possible protection will be afforded to employees giving evidence.
§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)asked the right hon. Gentleman if he was aware that the ship was lost so long ago as October, and what was the cause of the delay?
§ MR. RITCHIEI am quite aware of the fact mentioned by the hon. Member, but difficulties arose as to our holding an inquiry. Those difficulties, in consequence of representations that were made to me, I felt bound to endeavour to overcome. I have overcome them, and the inquiry will be held.