HC Deb 02 July 1914 vol 64 cc551-3
56. Mr. SANDYS

asked the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases during the past five years have proceedings been taken by the Board of Trade in respect to offences arising out of nuisance and overcrowding on board ship so far as officers and crews are concerned?

Mr. BURNS

I presume the hon. Member's question refers to the matter of crew spaces. It has not been necessary to institute any prosecutions during the past five years for non-compliance with the regulations as to crew spaces, as any irregularities can be dealt with by the power of adding the tonnage of the space to the registered tonnage of the vessel, and this power has been found to meet the case sufficiently.

57. Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of referring matters concerning the accommodation and comfort of officers and crews and the general subject of hygiene on board ship to the next international maritime conference?

Mr. BURNS

The next Conference will deal with load-line and timber deck loads, and its work will be sufficiently heavy without the addition of the important subjects to which the hon. Member draws attention.

Mr. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the precedent of the last International Conference, which considered many more than two subjects, and consider the advisability of spreading his net more widely?

Mr. BURNS

I will bear that in mind, but I hold out no hope of adding to the reference.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

When does this Conference meet?

Mr. BURNS

I believe some time this year.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

What is the object of calling this International Conference if you cannot consider all these points?

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is it the case that this Government have the power of deciding what questions should be discussed at the International Conference?

Mr. BURNS

No single Government has got the absolute power of determining what shall be discussed at an International Convention, but it has power to make representations generally.

Sir G. PARKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the representation which my hon. Friend has made, because it is extremely important?

Mr. BURNS

Certainly.