§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the "Titanic" was fitted with a gun or guns capable of being fired to give the distress signals, namely, the minute guns, as laid down in the Regulations for preventing collisions at sea, or other means such as detonators for making these signals; and whether, in the event of her having been fitted with such appliances, he has any knowledge whether such minute guns were fired to attract the attention of the ship which has been stated by more than one witness to have been passing the "Titanic" within a few miles?
Mr. BUXTONI find that the "Titanic" was provided with thirty-six socket signals, two sockets, one each side of the vessel, twelve ordinary sockets, two Manwell Holmes' deck flares, twelve blue lights, six lifebuoy lights. As regards the last part of the question, the matter is one for the Court.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEAre we to understand that there were no detonators provided on the "Titanic" and no guns?
Mr. BUXTONI understand signals are used in substitution for guns. I need hardly say that that is a question which the Court will consider, having regard to 798 the evidence of what occurred on the occasion.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEWith reference to the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, will the captain of the "Mount Temple" be called before the Court?
Mr. BUXTONI have no control over the proceedings of the Court, but no doubt this is a matter into which the Court will inquire with the desire to arrive at the fullest possible conclusion as to why neighbouring ships were not informed of the wreck.