HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 cc1115-6
91. Sir WALTER ESSEX

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will appoint a small committee, including a good proportion of persons with seafaring experience, to examine the various devices now available for levelly and safely lowering boats from vessels evacuating their passengers and crews before sinking; and whether he will give force to the decisions at which such a committee may come?

Mr. G. ROBERTS

The whole question of the safe launching of ships' lifeboats was fully investigated by the Boats and Davits Committee appointed after the loss of the ss. "Titanic," which included persons of seafaring experience and my right hon. Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by appointing another committee, as he is advised that no new principle has been evolved since that Committee completed its investigations and reported in 1913.