§ 5. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any further proposals have recently been placed before the merchant shipping advisory committee for the purpose of preventing over 254 loading of ships; and whether any new regulations have been made with regard thereto?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMNo proposals with regard to the prevention of overloading have been placed before the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee since their Report on Overloading of December, 1929, which was issued as Stationery Office publication No. 51–180 of 1930. Regulations to give effect to certain recommendations in that report are contained in Statutory Rules and Orders, 1930, No. 233, dated the 31st March, 1930.
§ Mr. DAYAre any discussions now taking place between the various shipping associations on the subject?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThis matter is constantly being considered. I rather think that my hon. Friend is referring to the recent international conference on the load line, which is, of course, an entirely different matter, but this subject is, as I say, constantly under consideration.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the existing position or does he consider that further regulations are necessary?
§ Mr. GRAHAMPerhaps the best way of replying to that question is to send the hon. Gentleman a copy of the report which is a very adequate reply.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI did not ask for a copy of the report. I asked the right hon. Gentleman who is responsible in this matter, if he was satisfied with the position?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, I am quite satisfied, but I would still advise the hon. Gentleman to read that report.