§ 40. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked what steps, if any, have been taken to ascertain the views of the officers and men who work the ships of the mercantile marine with regard to the question of load line; whether a Committee of experts has been appointed to inquire into the subject generally and, if so, will he give the names and qualifications of these experts; will he also say whether, if such a Committee has been appointed or is to be appointed, the Government intend the inquiry to be an open inquiry; and, if not, will he give the Government reasons for excluding the Press, seeing the public interest that is taken in the question and the national importance of the issue involved?
Mr. BUXTONI have appointed a Committee of experts to advise on the question of load line, and full opportunity will be given for officers and seamen to put their views before it. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the terms of reference and the names and qualifications of the members. With regard to the points 575 raised in the concluding sentences of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Southampton on the 28th May. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that reply.
Mr. F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the necessity of putting a representative of Lloyd's upon that Committee?