§ 4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, at the inquiry into the loss, or supposed loss, of the s.s. "John Harrison," he will consider the advisability of calling as witnesses persons 1648 whose appointments would not be jeopardised as a result of the evidence they may tender; and whether his Department has received information from the Mercantile Marine Service Association that considerable doubt as to the seaworthiness of these vessels exists amongst men who have sailed in them?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE - LISTER:The limitation which the lion. and gallant Member's suggestion would impose on the conduct of wreck inquiries might be embarrassing and could not, I think, be accepted; but there is no reason, so far as the Board of Trade are aware, to suppose that the question of jeopardising appointments will in fact arise in connection with the present case. A communication has been received from the association mentioned in the question about the seaworthiness of a particular vessel
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY:Doubtless it is my fault, but the right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my question, which is: whether he will consider the advisability of calling witnesses other than those whose professional positions might be jeopardised—independent witnesses—who could assist the assessors
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER:I am afraid I did rather misunderstand the question. It is the common practice, I think, to call all the evidence that may be considered relevant, not only to the particular case, but as regards the general aspect of the case. I will certainly see what evidence is available
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn this case?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes.