HC Deb 10 October 1912 vol 42 cc530-1
83. Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on 8th March last, when the steamship "North Briton" was lost, fifteen other vessels also disappeared; and whether the loss of these steamers, like the loss of the "North Briton," was due to the alteration in the freeboard due to the raising of the Plimsoll line?

Mr. BUXTON

The "North Briton" was lost on 5th March, 1912, and the only other losses of vessels registered in the United Kingdom reported to the Board of Trade as having occurred on or about this date are those of two small vessels, one of forty-one tons net, and the other of twenty-nine tons net, with no loss of life.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an opportunity for the House to discuss this question of the raising of the load line of merchant ships?

Mr. BUXTON

That does not arise on the question.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit the suggestion in the question that the load line has been raised?

Mr. BUXTON'S

reply was inaudible.