§ MR. C. E. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government has entered into negotiations with the maritime Powers, with a view to the prevention of risks to officers, crews, and shipping from the carriage of deck loads or loose ballast, liable to shift in heavy weather, or to the regulation of such cargoes; and, if not, will such negotiations be initiated without delay.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) Yes, Sir, a circular with regard to deck loads
† See (4) Debates, cliv., 817.1242 of timber was sent out in April last. Replies have not yet been received from France, Germany, or Sweden. The other Powers have sent replies, but do not appear inclined to act on the suggestions made to them. It has not been thought necessary to open negotiations with foreign Powers with regard to loose ballast, but careful regulations on the subject have been issued to Board of Trade surveyors, and a notice of warning has been sent to shipowners and masters.