§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of able seamen carried as deck hands on the s.s. "Ellington" and s.s. "Springhill," now employed trading between West Hartlepool and Cowes, Isle of Wight; whether he can state the respective tonnage of these vessels; and whether they are complying with the Board of Trade regulations respecting the manning of ships; and, if not, whether he will take steps to enforce such regulations?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEI am informed that the s.s. "Ellington" carries master, one mate, a boatswain, and three A.B.'s, and that the s.s "Springhill" carries master, two mates, a boatswain, and three A.B.'s. The gross tonnage of the "Ellington" is 703, and that of the"Springhill"674. Both vessels are engaged in the coasting trade, with respect to which the Board of Trade have laid down no specific regulations, but I am advised that they are not insufficiently manned for the coasting trade in which they are engaged.
§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONIs it not necessary to have the proper complement of men?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The honourable Member is asking as to a matter of opinion.
§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONI will put another Question on this.