§ Mr. MARTINasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps, if any, he intends to take with regard to the steamship "Dunsley," lost at sea and over-insured to the extent of over £10,000; what other similar cases have been reported to the Board of Trade during the past two years; whether he has any official information showing that it is the common practice to over-insure vessels going to sea; and whether the Government intend to introduce legislation to make over-insurance of vessels criminal, in order to protect the lives of seamen?
Mr. BUXTONThe report of the inquiry into the loss of the "Dunsley" is receiving the careful consideration of the Board of Trade, but, as application has been made for a re-hearing of the case, I cannot say at present what action may ultimately be taken. The question of over-insurance has been raised during the past two years in connection with inquiries into the loss of the following vessels: "Cadoxton," "Kingswell," "Selworthy," "British Standard," "Rowa," "George," "Ouse," "Everest," "Hasland," and "Cardiff Hall." I have no official information showing that it is the common practice to over-insure vessels going to sea. The whole subject, which is one of great intricacy and difficulty, is being carefully watched by the Board of Trade, and they have recently been in communication with representative underwriters with regard to it. I do not at present propose to introduce legislation on the subject.