§ 52. Sir PARK GOFFasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of accidents having occurred on the River Thames owing to foreign vessels navigating the river without engaging the services of a Thames pilot, tugmaster, or waterman; and whether he will inquire into the system under which this is permitted?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSWhile I am aware that accidents have occurred on the River Thames to vessels navigating without the services of a Thames pilot, tugmaster or waterman, I have no information to show whether any of these accidents could have been avoided had the services of the persons referred to been employed. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for Gravesend (Mr. Albeit') on the 10th and 29th November and the 20th December last, of which I am sending him copies.
§ Sir P. GOFFIs my hon. Friend aware that the by-laws of the Humber and the Mersey give ample protection to the local navigators of those estuaries, and also is, he aware that 75 per cent. of the accidents between the Pool of London and Putney Bridge are due to foreign vessels without pilots?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI was not aware of those facts, but I will look into that question.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman also look into the question of making the Thames. 1207 Estuary of the Port of London a compulsory pilotage district?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSThat question does not arise here, but we are in communication with the Port of London Authority on the whole question.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman look into the matter and let me know?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSYes.