§ 51. Mr. ADAMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the conveyance of women fishworkers between ports on the mainland of Scotland and the Hebrides, and between ports on the mainland and the Islands of Orkney and Shetland, vessels carry as many as 600 passengers and over; that no proper arrangements are made for such a large number of passengers; that many of these passengers are compelled to make the journey on the open deck; that no proper arrangements are made for sanitary conveniences; and that the vessels are not equipped with sufficient lifeboats and life-belts for the number of passengers carried; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made during the 991 ensuing season as to the equipment of the vessels and the arrangements made for the conveyance of the women and enforce any regulations the Board may have for the safety and convenience of passengers on such vessels?
Mr. BUXTONSpecial arrangements have in past years been made for the conveyance of large numbers of fishworkers during the fishing season, and special passenger certificates have been issued by the Board of Trade for the purpose. Before these certificates could be issued the Board's officers had to be satisfied that the vessels were in all respects fit for the intended service. Before any such certificate is issued for this season, I am taking steps to have special inquiries made which will cover the various points to which my hon. Friend refers.
Mr. CATHCART WASONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware this takes place in the summer months at a time when there are not many storms, and has he received any complaint whatever from any of those passengers on those boats whose living largely depends on time?
Mr. BUXTONI understand there is a conference proceeding with my advisers and I will put these points to them.