§ SIR W. J. COLLINS (St. Pancras, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been directed to the shipwreck of the "Courier" off Guernsey, on April 30th 38 last, and to the evidence taken at the inquest held on one of the seven persons who were drowned; whether, in view of the evidence given, and of the fact that the law relating to navigation in the Channel Islands differs from the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, he will direct that a public inquiry be held into all the circumstances connected with this disaster.
§ * MR. GLADSTONEI beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. A full public inquiry has already been held at the inquest, which took place before the Royal Court presided over by the Bailiff, Sir Henry Giffard. K. C., and as the result proceedings have been taken against Captain Whales and his pilot's licence has been forfeited. As advised, I have no power to order any further public inquiry, but I am of opinion that the law in Guernsey ought to provide as effectually as English law for the safety of passengers and I propose to communicate with the Insular authorities on the subject.