§ MR. JOYCEI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any report with regard to the accident which happened to a seaman named Robert Christiansen on board the steamship "Devon" on 3rd March of this year at Port Natal; whether this man was sent aloft to put a new guy on number five derrick, and that he had to climb up the guy with a heavy sling over his shoulders, with the result that his strength gave way and he fell a distance of 50 feet into the hold of the vessel; and whether he can state if the owners have paid any compensation to this man for the injuries he sustained, and if he will cause an inquiry to be held in this case.
§ *MR. GERALD BALFOURThe information I have received with regard to the case to which the honourable Member refers shows that the accident happened on the 2nd April, not on the 3rd March as stated. I am not in possession of any details in the case, but will make furthur enquiries and place myself in communication with the owners.