§ 15. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is now possible to lay before the House the new rules dealing with the alteration in the existing law to comply with the recommendations of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee?
Mr. WEBBThe rules as to life-saving appliances will be laid before Parliament as soon as some outstanding questions of principle, which are being considered by the Board of Trade and the Advisory Committee, have been settled. There will be no avoidable delay, but the questions still under discussion are very important, and are being fully considered by the Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has been under consideration for nearly a year; that it is holding up the trade of the manufacturers of this country, and in spite of the fact that the President of the Board of Trade states that it is not his business to look after the industries of the country, will he facilitate these matters?
§ Viscount CURZONAs a member of the Advisory Committee, may I put a question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have been very much delayed by petitions, and must get on.