61. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now considered the practice of small yachts anchoring in the Firth of Clyde and lochs at night without displaying a light, in contravention of the Board of Trade Regulations; whether he is aware that they are encouraged to do so by a recent decision of the Glasgow Sheriff Court awarding damages against 592 the owners of the steamer "Marchioness of Breadalbane," which ran down a yacht, the "Marguerite," which exhibited no light; and whether, in view of the near approach of the Glasgow holiday season and of the danger that a collision with such a yacht offers to Glasgow passenger steamers, he has taken or will take steps to enforce the Regulations?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)Pending the hearing of the appeal against the judgment of the Glasgow sheriff in the case of the collision between the steamer "Marchioness of Breadalbane" and the yacht "Marguerite" it has not been possible to arrive at a final decision in regard to the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, but as at present advised I do not think there is any real danger to be apprehended to the Clyde pleasure steamers owing to what appears to be a long-established practice of small yachts anchoring in these shallow waters without displaying a light.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTMay I ask whether these Regulations about showing lights on boats were made in order to secure the safety of life at sea, and, if so, does he not intend to enforce them as long as they are Regulations of the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. BUXTONOf course, they are Regulations of the Board of Trade, and they are enforced. This question is sub judice at present, and I would rather wait to hear the result of the case before any further action is taken.