1. Dr. MURRAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer "Gael," at present carrying mails and passengers between Stornoway and Kyle, is about 60 years old; that this boat has had several breakdowns recently, and that in particular on the 21st ultimo she had two breakdowns on the voyage to Stornoway, which might have resulted in disaster were it not that the weather was moderate; whether he is aware that the public served by this boat have for long regarded her as unsafe and unsuited for the stormy weather so often encountered on the route; and whether he will institute a special inquiry into her fitness for the conveyance of passengers across the Minch?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Baldwin)The "Gael" 1760 is 55 years old, and there were two failures of the machinery last month. I am informed that the vessel is now running, and is giving no trouble. The vessel is surveyed at least once a year by the Board of Trade, and there is no reason to doubt her seaworthiness. I am making further inquiries about the failures of the machinery, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it a fact that the Coalition candidate for the Western Isles refused to travel by this steamer?