§ 11. Mr. RANKINasked the President of the Board of Trade what action is 660 being taken to induce those Governments who have not already ratified the new system of helm orders to adopt this policy as soon as possible in the interests of maritime safety?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe ratification of the International Safety Convention of 1929 entails the use of the direct system of helm orders. The Convention has now been ratified by 11 of the 18 signatory countries, and His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that it will not be ratified by the remainder. Copies of the Safety Convention have been sent to the maritime countries not represented at the conference in order that they may consider the question of accession; six such countries have acceded up to the present. The direct system of helm orders is, of course, in operation in some of the countries which are not parties to the Safety Convention.
§ 12. Mr. RANKINasked the President of the Board of Trade if any specific representations are being made to the Panama Canal authorities to simplify the system of helm orders now adopted in respect of vessels passing through the canal; whether he is aware that, apparently, three systems of helm orders can be used in the canal; and whether this conflict of methods of navigation is approved by the chief maritime Powers using the canal?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANA notice issued recently by the Panama Canal authorities recommends the use of the terms "right" and "left" for helm orders in the direct sense described in Article 41 of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, but if the master of a ship desires to use another system the pilot is to comply with his wishes. This arrangement is satisfactory to His Majesty's Government, but I have no information as to the views of other Governments.