§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked how many derelict vessels or other wreckage have been reported as dangerous to navigation on the high seas in the last twelve months; whether His Majesty's Government have been invited by any foreign Government to co-operate in providing special craft for the purpose of removing this danger to navigation; and what steps the Government has taken, or proposes to take, in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONDuring the twelve months from the 1st July, 1910, to the 30th June, 1911, the Board of Trade received thirty-six reports of derelicts in the North Sea, forty-five in other waters round the coast of the United Kingdom, and twenty-one in the eastern portion of the North Atlantic. Besides these there are reports made to Lloyds and other bodies. No doubt several of these reports referred to the same derelict. I am not aware of any invitation having been addressed to His Majesty's Government to co-operate with any other Governments in the destruction of derelicts. Power to remove vessels derelict in the seas adjacent to the United Kingdom is exercised by the three general lighthouse authorities, while in exceptional cases on the high seas (such as that of the "Richelieu" last year) the Admiralty have, at the request of the Board of Trade, removed derelict vessels, and the Board publish, by means of wireless telegraph messages to ships at sea, and otherwise, information which they receive as to dangers to navigation.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLIs there any organised attempt to get rid of these obstructions to navigation, which are quite as much danger as ice or even a greater danger owing to their larger distribution?
Mr. BUXTONThe Admiralty and Board of Trade are in communication over the matter. I think it is a question which requires further inquiry and consideration. I should like to have the opportunity of talking to the hon. Member about it and as to the best method of finding a means.