DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that up to the time of the foundering in the Suez Canal of the s.s. "Chatham," laden with dynamite, no regulations whatever existed for ensuring precautions in cases of ships passing through the canal carrying explosives; whether any regulations with that object have since been put in force; and, if so, whether he will ay upon the Table of the House a copy of such regulations.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickHis Majesty's Government are, of course, not responsible for the regulations of the Suez Canal Company. I am informed that steamers carrying explosives are not prohibited from passing through the Suez Canal, but that the Company reserves the right to take such precautions as are usual in all ports. The authorities take no action unless their attention is drawn to a particular ship as having explosives in her cargo. Such vessels may be berthed at special points and when under transit must fly a special signal both by day and by night, similar to that shown by petroleum tank steamers. It is obvious that it is to the interest of the Company to take every precaution against danger to life and property from any source during the navigation of the canal, and the officials have full powers to give directions with this object.