HC Deb 09 October 1912 vol 42 cc355-6
63. Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the evidence given at the inquiry into the loss of the ss. "North Briton"; and whether he intends to take any steps to lower the deep-load line to accord with the Regulations which existed before 1906, seeing that the loss of this vessel with twenty lives was, according to the finding of the Court, primarily due to insufficient freeboard?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Robertson)

I am examining the evidence given at the inquiry into the loss of the ss. "North Briton;" and the question whether any action should be taken by the Board of Trade in connection with the case is receiving my careful consideration.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the day the "North Briton" went down, fifteen other ships also disappeared; and does he attribute that to the altering of the load line?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. HALL

Since the regulation of 1906 placing the mercantile marine of this country on the same terms as the mercantile marine of other countries, has there been any extra loss?