§ 51. Mr. CHADWICKasked the Prime Minister (1) if his attention has been called to the fact that an aeroplane was picked up by a vessel not equipped with wireless and consequently unable to report until she reached the coast, this demonstrating the importance that every ship which might be instrumental in saving life or property or in disseminating important news should be equipped with wireless; whether this matter will be brought up for international discussion at the earliest possible moment;
(2) if the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to its value as a life-saving medium, he will now arrange that all merchant ships, other than fishing vessels and coasters, shall be compelled to be equipped with wireless telegraph apparatus?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe subject of wireless telegraphy on merchant ships was considered by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea in 1913–14, and an international agreement was reached on the subject at that time. Owing to the War, the Convention has not been brought into operation, and the question whether any modification of the Convention is necessary in the light of experience gained since the Convention was agreed to is being considered. A Bill dealing with the provision of wireless telegraph apparatus on merchant ships was introduced into Parliament on 21st May.