§ 67. Major MCKENZIE WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that danger and inconvenience are caused to steam drifters by the regulation which requires these boats to have head-lights on their foremasts when steaming; and whether he will consider the possibility of permitting the lights to be affixed to the mizzen masts so that the fore-masts may be lowered?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThis question is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Article 2 of which provides that the masthead light must be carried "on or in front of the foremast, or if a vessel without a foremast then in the fore part of the vessel." These Regulations can only be altered by international agreement, and I am advised that there is not sufficient ground for suggesting an alteration in the sense proposed by the hon. Member.
§ Major WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the fishermen are strongly of opinion that this regulation is very dangerous indeed?
§ Mr. GRAHAMMy information at the moment is that there is a division of opinion on the point, but in any case the essential part of the reply is the point relating to international agreement. I am very willing to make further inquiries, if the hon. and gallant Member wishes to bring further information to my notice.
§ Major WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman consider that there is no foremast when it is lowered?