§ COLONEL SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the exemption from the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Act, 1887, as to carrying life-saving gear for all on board, of vessels of the Royal Navy is confined to ships of war, in order that their utility for fighting may not be lessened by even humane considerations, and if it applies 1447 in any way to transports hired for carrying troops, reliefs, or any purpose; and if he will take care that this is impressed upon the owners of such transports and upon the Admiralty?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEThe Board of Trade have been in communication with the Admiralty with regard to' the matter to which my honourable and gallant Friend refers, and I am assured that all hired transports are required to comply with regulations at least equivalent to the Life-Saving Appliance Rules made under the Merchant Shipping Act, not only with respect to boats, but also with regard to life-saving gear for all on board. In these circumstances, I do not think it is necessary for me to take any further steps in the matter.