§ 3. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the boats and life-saving gear of cross-Channel steamers are regularly inspected; and whether the crews are drilled in the use of the boats?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe boats and other life-saving appliances on the British cross-Channel steamers are surveyed every year by the Board of Trade, and are inspected very frequently on behalf of the owners. I am informed that the crews are drilled, at least twice monthly, in the use of the boats.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether he has seen that sufficient notices are put up in the cabins so that passengers can have a knowledge of how to make use of these appliances?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKOh, yes; that is very carefully seen to, and ample notices are posted all over the ship and well within sight of everyone.
§ Colonel DAYIf I send the hon. Gentleman instances which I have seen myself will he have them looked into?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKOh, yes, certainly.
§ 4. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether Regulations to prevent the overcrowding of cross-Channel steamers during the 190 holiday seasons are strictly observed; and whether such Regulation are brought periodically to the notice of the companies concerned?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have no reason to think that passengers in excess of the certified complement are carried on cross-Channel steamers during the holiday season, and there is no necessity to call the special attention of the companies to the provisions of the law against overcrowding.