§ 60. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether depositions have been obtained from the officers, crew, and passengers of the steamship "Persia" relative to the circumstances attending the loss of that vessel; whether these depositions have been examined; and what steps are being taken with regard to them?
Mr. RUNCIMANRepresentations were , made on the Motion for the Adjournment in this House on the 17th January last in favour of a formal investigation into the circumstances attending the loss of the steamship "Persia," and, as there appeared at that time to be good ground for taking such a course, I informed the House on the 25th January in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for Warrington that a formal investigation had been . ordered. The necessary measures for holding the investigation were immediately set on foot.
As the result, however, of a very careful scrutiny of the depositions obtained from passengers and members of the crew of the steamship "Persia," it does not appear to the Board of Trade that any fresh fact of any consequence would be brought to light or that any material advantage would be gained by a formal investigation.
In view of the fact that the services of every officer and seaman are urgently required afloat in the national interest, the Board of Trade have reconsidered the question of holding a formal investigation, and have come to the conclusion that an investigation would not lead to any result of sufficient importance to justify the further detention of the officers and crew or the considerable expense which would be involved.
In the light of the experience gained in this and other cases, the Board of Trade with the assistance of their technical advisers, will take every step that appears to be practicable with a view to minimising loss of life at sea.
I would like to add a word of appreciation, in which I am sure the House will join me, of the coolness and courage of the 1536 passengers and crew and the discipline of the ship maintained in face of this sudden and appalling disaster. I am told that the captain, officers, and engineers of the "Persia" had spent their lives in the company's service, and all had unblemished records. The country is deeply indebted to those who are facing the perils to which our merchant ships are being subjected.
§ Mr. PETODo the Board of Trade contemplate any alterations in the Regulations with regard to life-saving apparatus in view of the danger from submarine attacks?
Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, we are contemplating modifications of the Regulations which are now under technical consideration, and we will make them public as soon as possible.