MR. GIBSON BOWLESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposed to hold any inquiry into the lamentable loss of the steamship Aden on the Island of Sokotra, and whether that inquiry would include the consideration of the question of the desirability of erecting a lighthouse there?
§ MR. RITCHIEYes, Sir; it is the intention of the Board of Trade to hold an inquiry, and of course if there be reason to suppose that the loss of the ship was caused by any want of a proper light, that, no doubt, will be brought into evidence. I desire to take the opportunity in regard to this matter to read to the House a telegram I have received from Her Majesty: —
The Queen is deeply concerned at the disaster of the loss of the Aden, and asks you to express her sincere sympathy and condolence with the bereaved and the survivors in the terrible sufferings they must have undergone.["Hear, hear!"]