§ 4. Viscount CURZONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the recent case of the overloading of the coasting vessel "Jenny," he will take steps to ensure that, when a vessel obtains her clearance certificate, such certificate shall be the recognised authority of the Board of Trade that the ship is in a seaworthy condition?
Mr. WEBBThe suggestion in the question would involve the inspection by a Board of Trade surveyor of every ship, on every voyage, before she is allowed to sail. This could not be done without a very large increase of staff; it would delay all our sea-going traffic and it would require legislation. As at present advised, I am not of opinion that such action could be usefully taken.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that a comparatively moderate increase in the surveyors' staff would enable a great deal to be done in cases of this sort?
Mr. WEBBPossibly it would enable an increased amount of work to be done. The question refers to every case.