HC Deb 04 November 1918 vol 110 cc1757-8
2. General McCALMONT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of enforcing the continuous wearing of lifebelts by civilian passengers on cross-Channel steamers?

Mr. WARDLE

At present notices are posted up on cross-Channel steamers instructing passengers either to wear life-jackets or to have them at hand ready to put on immediately, but I will consider whether it would be practicable to give effect to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

General McCALMONT

Is my hon. Friend aware that the matter was brought to the notice of the Board of Trade several months ago, and that if there had been an order of this kind the loss of life on the "Leinster" would have been very much less than it was?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a problematical question.