§ 36. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Board of Trade inquiry at Cardiff into the stranding of the ss. "Southlands," where not only was the certificate of the captain suspended for three months, but in addition he was ordered to pay £50 towards the costs of the inquiry; whether any official communication on this matter from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild has been brought to his notice; whether he is aware that all suspensions of certificates are recorded at Lloyd's; and whether he will now deem the suspension as adequate punishment and refund the sum named to the late captain of the "Southlands," who has a wife and family dependent upon him?
Mr. BUXTONThe Board of Trade have received the report of the inquiry to which 696 the hon. Member refers, as well as a copy of a letter addressed to the Cardiff agents of the Board's solicitor by the Imperial Merchant Service Guild. The Court acted within their powers in ordering the master to contribute £50 to the cost of the inquiry, and I see no sufficient reason for refunding this sum, which has been paid in accordance with the order of the Court. I understand that the practice of Lloyd's is as stated in the question.