§ 69. Mr. O'GRADYasked whether the Board of Trade has received any reply from the Cardiff Pilotage Board with reference to the methods of transferring pilots from cutter to ship with a view to preventing loss of life due to the pilot being transferred in a boat manned by only one man; and whether the methods prevailing at the ports of London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Hull, will be ascertained?
Mr. ROBERTSONI am informed by the Cardiff Pilotage Board that they are fully alive to the risks involved by the existing system of supplying pilots in their district, and that they propose to submit by-laws for the establishment of a new scheme which they think will materially reduce the risks which at present attend the boarding of vessels by pilots. The Pilotage Bill which is now before a Standing Committee will authorise the holding of inquiries into this and other matters at the various ports with a view to the improvement of pilotage organisation generally.