§ 59. Sir HARRY SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many fires have recently occurred on ships engaged in the frozen meat trade involving risks of loss of life; and, if so, if he is aware that the risk of fire is added to by the use of highly inflammable materials for the insulation of the refrigerated holds as compared with the risks when the insulator is composed of fire-proof materials; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONFrom the reports of shipping casualties received by the Board of Trade, it appears that there have been recent cases of fire on vessels engaged in carrying frozen meat, but apparently in none of these cases was there serious danger to life. As regards the question of the material used for insulation, the information before me at present does not lead me to think that any action on the part of the Board of Trade is required.