§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have examined a contrivance for deck rafts invented by Charles Hartley, of 51, Skeltons Lane, Leyton, for saving life at sea; and whether his Department have formed any opinion as to the compulsory fixing of such decks upon all passenger ships now in course of construction?
Mr. BUXTONThe Board of Trade have received a communication regarding the contrivance to which my hon. Friend refers. The Board are receiving a large number of suggestions of a similar character from different sources; and, as I have already stated in reply to a question in this House, they are referring the suggestions received to the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee for their consideration.
Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Board proposes to take, pending completion of the "Titanic" Inquiry, to ensure immediate steps being taken to improve and increase the provision of means for saving life on vessels holding the Board of Trade certificate for carrying passengers; and whether he will undertake that any precautions which may be decided upon or recommended shall extend to all boats whether carrying passengers or not?
Mr. BUXTONAs, I think, the House is already aware, I have held a series of conferences with the representatives of the owners of the various classes of passenger vessels holding Board of Trade certificates, 797 on the question of the immediate provision of further life-saving appliances on board. As regards the last paragraph of the question I may point out that all cargo boats are already bound under the Board of Trade Regulations to carry sufficient boat accommodation for all persons on board, in addition to other life-saving appliances. So far as any additional precautions recommended may be advisable with regard to passenger ships, they will be applied, where thought necessary or suitable, to this class of ships as well.
Mr. FRED HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is necessary that sufficient accommodation should be carried in cargo steamers, and why sufficient accommodation has not heretofore been required in passenger ships?
Mr. BUXTONI think I have already explained the reason, but it is difficult to do so in reply to a question. I think an opportunity will probably occur for giving reasons at some future time. That is also a question which will be considered by the Court of Inquiry.