§ 64. Mr. BUCHANANasked the President of the Board of Trade when the lifeboats of the steamship "Burma," now lying at the Clyde docks, were last examined; how many the ship carried; how many passengers and crew was the ship capable of carrying; how many of the lifeboats were found leaking; and what was their general condition as regards seaworthiness?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe life-boats of the s.s. "Burma" were examined at the full survey for passenger certificate which was completed on the 11th February, 1928. All the lifeboats were seen in the water during the survey and none were found leaking, all being in good and seaworthy condition. The "Burma" had six lifeboats certified to carry 284 persons. The numbers of passengers and crew allowed by the passenger certificate were 133 and 139 respectively. The lifeboats were examined recently in ordinary course of survey and found to be in good general condition, some minor repairs only being required.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any regular inspection carried on by his Department of the equipment of lifeboats?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think that I answered that question the other day. When the survey takes place there is a complete survey of everything required under the regulations.
§ Mr. DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing inspectors specially to examine the equipment?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. There are inspectors specially for that purpose. What the hon. Gentleman asked the other day was quite a different thing, 2334 namely, whether the regulations required the drinking water and biscuits in lifeboats to be changed at regular intervals.