§ 26. Mr. EDEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can say how-many fatal accidents to the members of the crews of British ships took place during the last year for which statistics are available, distinguishing between those in home and foreign waters, respectively; and in how many cases the findings of a court of inquiry indicated that the blame was not attributable to the deceased person?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMDuring the year ended 31st December, 1928, 356 members of the crews of British ships lost their lives as the result of accidents, other than shipping casualties. Of these, 93 deaths occurred on or near the coasts of the United Kingdom, and 263 occurred elsewhere. In 99 cases the death was the 837 subject of an inquest, and in the remaining 257 cases the death was the subject of inquiry and report by the Superintendent of a Mercantile Marine Office, a Consular Officer, or an Officer in a British Dominion or Colony. It appears from the information available that in at least 304 instances no blame was attributable to the deceased person.
Mr. TINNEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these accidents was due to confusion as to helm orders?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is the subject of another question. I have already indicated to the House that there will be ample opportunity for discussion in this Chamber long before that becomes law.