§ MR. WILKIEI beg to ask the Secretary for the Home Department whether he is aware that the dock regulations for the protection of life and limb on board ships in docks and harbours, which came into force on January 1st, 1905, are being generally evaded; and, if so, will he take the necessary steps to secure their efficient administration.
§ * MR. GLADSTONEIt is no doubt the case that less progress has been made as regards compliance with the precautions prescribed by the dock regulations in the case of ships than in the case of the docks themselves; but it must be remembered that the difficulties are much greater, and I must also point out to the hon. Member that regulations 6 and 8 so far as they require structural alterations of a ship do not come into force till 1908. I am taking steps to strengthen the inspection of docks, and I would refer 408 him on this point to my previous Answers of March 5th† and April 2nd.‡