§ 33. Mr. CADOGANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freeboard of the s.s. "Inverampton," which has been lost, had been reduced by one foot seven inches; whether this alteration was made with the approval of the Board of Trade; whether the position of the revised Plimsoll marks had been cut in the vessel's side; whether lie is aware that the freeboard of 11 other steamers of the same ownership as that of the s.s. "Inverampton" has been reduced; and whether he will order an inquiry into the circumstances of the loss of the "Inverampton"?
Mr. WILLIAMSThe reduction in the freeboard of the "Inverampton" was made after structural alterations, and was authorised by Lloyd's Register, who assign freeboards on behalf of the Board of Trade, and the Board of Trade are satisfied that the alteration was in accordance with the freeboard tables. I am informed that the new load-line was marked on the ship's side. Reductions have been made in the freeboard of 11 other steamers of the same ownership, and these reductions are in accordance with the freeboard tables. The "Inverampton" was lost by stranding, and the question whether a formal investigation should be ordered will be considered as soon as sufficient information has been received.
§ Mr. CADOGANIs my hon. Friend aware that several of the masters strongly 1330 objected to an increased draught without an alteration in the position of the Plimsoll mark?
Mr. WILLIAMSI think there must be some misunderstanding on the part of my hon. Friend. The alteration was after structural alterations, and in both cases the load-line was in accordance with the usual rule.