§ 8. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House as to the age of the French packet boat "Pas de Calais," which carries passengers between Dover and Calais; and what is the number of persons her lifeboats would accommodate as compared with the maximum number of persons carried?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe "Pas de Calais" is 22 years old and sails under the French regulations, which, under an arrangement made some years ago with the French Government, were recognised as being substantially equivalent to our own. I will make inquiries about the particular points to which my hon. Friend refers, and will communicate with him later.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill my hon. and gallant Friend consider the suggestion that at any rate this somewhat ancient boat be not asked to carry the very heavy passenger service which crosses the Channel?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWas she not used at the Peace Conference?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe ship, as I have stated, sails under the flag of the French Government, and I do not think it would be possible for us to take action in the way that my hon. Friend suggests.
Captain TERRELLIs it not a fact that this boat is a very good sea boat, and an extremely comfortable one on which to travel?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am very glad to have that information. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with the hon. Member for Acton.