§ MR. CROMBIE (Kincardineshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that while a steam-line fishing boat displays certain lights at night to distinguish it from a steam trawler, during the daytime there is nothing to show this distinction, and that, in consequence, trawlers frequently fail to recognise that these boats are steam-liners till they have approached so near as to damage the lines; and whether he will make it a rule for a steam-liner during the day-time to display a black ball on the foremast, or some other distinctive sign.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir; I am aware that under the present regulations there is no provision for a day signal for fishing-boats, but the revised rules prepared by the Rule of the Road Committee, which are now under the consideration of foreign Governments, provide for such a signal. In the event of the adoption of this signal, it will be possible, under the rule providing for it, to meet the point to which the hon. Member refers, if the trade desire it; and the matter shall be borne in mind.