§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Court of inquiry, held at Cardiff, into the loss of the s.s. "East-way" off Bermuda in October, 1926, in which the Court found that the owner of the vessel had contributed, by blameworthy and culpable conduct, to the loss of the steamer; whether the papers are being sent to the Public Prosecutor, with a view to further action under the Merchant Shipping Act; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
I know this question was answered yesterday, but can the right hon. Gentleman 1429 say when he will be in the position to make a further statement and whether he has examined the papers?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERPerhaps I had better give the hon. and gallant Member the answer I intended to give. My attention has been drawn to the report of the Court in the case of the "Eastway," and the question whether the evidence is such as to justify proposing further proceedings is being considered. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of an answer which I gave on 16th November to the hon. Member for Barrow, describing the checks on overloading British vessels at foreign ports, which are prescribed by the Merchant Shipping Acts.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say if any further action is going to be taken?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am rather adverse to discussing in advance whether or not any proceedings of a legal nature will be taken. The whole question is being considered by the proper authorities.
§ Mr. HAYESMay I ask whether the Board of Trade intend making any special recognition of the services of the wireless operator in this case?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like notice of that question.