§ 59. Mr. PETOasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the fact that, at the inquiry at Dunedin, New Zealand, which concluded on 13th October last, into the loss of the steamer "Tyrone," the Court allowed the costs of the legal defence of the second officer on the ground that he had in no way contributed to the disaster; and, if so, whether he will now adopt a similar principle where recommendations are made by Courts investigating shipping casualties in the United Kingdom that the whole or part of the costs of this kind should be defrayed by the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. BURNSI have received a copy of the report of the inquiry held at Dunedin into the loss of the steamship "Tyrone," but this report contains no reference to the question of costs, and I have no information to show whether or not the legal 195 costs of the second officer were allowed by the Court. I am aware, however, that such costs are sometimes allowed by the New Zealand Courts of Inquiry, and also that such Courts frequently order persons found in default to pay part of the costs of the inquiry. I doubt, therefore, if masters and officers would appreciate the adoption of the New Zealand practice. As regards the last part of the hon. Member's question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave him yesterday.