§ 17. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his Department has had any complaints from any trades unions or associations on the River Clyde as to the risks of life and limb in the timber ponds and in towing timber there on account of the excessive speed of passing vessels; and, if so, will the public interest and the necessities of the War permit of any modification of such speeds?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I have been asked to answer this question. I have ascertained that a letter was received by the local naval authorities on the 22nd of last month from the Greenock and Port Glasgow Rafters' Trade Union regarding the matter referred to, and steps were thereupon taken to communicate with officers in charge for the purpose of securing observance of the instructions that vessels should proceed at a moderate speed in the river; the attention of pilots has also been drawn to the matter.