§ 10. Sir J. D. REESasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether any and, if so, what Regulations existed for the provision of boat accommodation in the case of ships plying between Madras and Rangoon and Calcutta and Rangoon; and whether such ships, when furnished with Board of Trade certificates, were in fact under any restrictions as to the number of passengers they carry?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)Boat accommodation for vessels plying between the Indian ports mentioned by the hon. Member is governed by Regulations made by the Indian Government under the Native Passenger Ships Act of 1887. The Regulations prescribe a sliding scale of boats based on the registered tonnage of each vessel. The Government of India report that the scale requires revision and are considering the amendment of the Regulations. The British India Steam Navigation Company, which is the largest company engaged in the trade, is already providing additional boats, rafts, and other life-saving apparatus on all their passenger vessels. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The number of passengers is restricted by the Native Passenger Ships Act, which prescribes the space accommodation per passenger.