33. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked whether, in view of the findings on the inquiry into the loss of the "Oceana" of gross negligence on the part of some of the officers, the Government will take steps to alter the law by removing the limitation of the liability of owners in such cases, so that the pecuniary responsibility may add an additional spur to the moral responsibility of the owners to improve the system adopted for the prevention of accidents and the saving of life if accident occurs?
Mr. BUXTONThe statutory limitation of the liability of the owner of a British ship extends only to loss or damage happening without his actual fault or privity. As at present advised, I am not proposing to introduce legislation in the sense suggested by the hon. Member.