Mr. KINGasked whether the hearing of the inquiry into the loss of the "Thistle-moor," held at Bideford last month, and of the findings of the court, have been considered in connection with the present regulations for watching the coast in the interests of the mercantile marine; and whether new arrangements will now be made to increase the safety of our merchant shipping by better provisions for coast watching?
Mr. BUXTONThe report of the court of inquiry referred to is receiving careful consideration. Active steps are being taken, by local investigation and otherwise, to ascertain how far and in what way the existing arrangements for watching for wrecks on the coasts of the United Kingdom require strengthening, in order that the Board may be in a position to decide what further action it will be desirable for them to take in this important matter.