§ Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will provide for representation of the British-Indian lascars concerned on the occasion of the inquiry into the circumstances attending the recent collision of the Peninsular and Oriental Company's s.s. "Oceana" with another vessel?
Mr. BUXTONIt is not the practice to provide representation for the various interests concerned in formal investigations into shipping casualties. In the present case presumably any evidence affecting the crew of the "Oceana" will be duly considered by counsel representing the owners of the vessel, who are responsible for the efficiency of the crew engaged.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the character of the lascar in general has been grievously impugned in connection with this matter. It is a very special case?
Mr. BUXTONI take it that it is the interest of the P. and O. Company to assist in the matter of vindicating their character.