§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many of the 350 persons on board the steamship "Le Nord," when she collided with the steamer "Lockwood" on 1st March last, could have been saved by the six boats she carried?
Mr. BUXTONI regret that I have no information available which would enable me to reply to this question. I would remind the hon. Member that the "Le Nord" is a French vessel, and her life-saving appliances, including boats, were not inspected by the Board of Trade. The vessel, however, complied with the French Rules, which are accepted by the Board of Trade as being equivalent to our own.
§ Mr. ASHLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman no power to compel a ship plying daily from an English port to carry enough boats to save both passengers and crew?
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries from the company?
Mr. BUXTONThe matter is not under my control, and I do not see any advantage would be gained by my getting the information. If I were responsible I would do so, but I do not see how I can very well ask for the information.
§ Mr. ESSEXCan the right hon. Gentleman not exercise some control over the equipment of "Le Nord" and similar vessels which form, with British-owned vessels, joint lines for the carriage of through traffic to and from the Continent?
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of requesting the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company to address some representation to the Chemin de Fer du Nord on the subject?