HC Deb 09 May 1912 vol 38 cc591-2
Sir EDWARD BEAUCHAMP

asked whether the President of the Board of Trade can state the number of vessels which have been posted at Lloyds as missing since 1st January, to what nationality they respectively belonged, and the number of lives lost?

Mr. BUXTON

I am indebted to the secretary to Lloyds for the following in- formation relating to the vessels posted as missing since 1st January last:—

Nationality. No. of vessels. No. of lives lost.
Brazilian 1 7
British (including Colonial) 15 430
French 1 25
German 5 51
Norwegian 4 55
Total 26 568

Sir E. BEAUCHAMP

Arising out of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in the case of missing British vessels, any inquiry was ordered by the Board of Trade?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes; in the case of three small fishing vessels, in which there was no loss of life, and, I think, there was an inquiry into all the cases, but if the hon. Member wants the numbers, and will give me notice, I will endeavour to supply them.

Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

Is it not the fact that the percentage of British losses is less than the losses of other nationalities, comparing their tonnage with ours?

Mr. BUXTON

I gather that will appear from the figures I have read if they are worked out.