HC Deb 25 July 1935 vol 304 cc2009-10
50. Mr. WEST

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to tighten up the enforcement of the Merchant Shipping Acts; and whether any steps will be taken to restore the old load-line regulations?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Member has in mind action arising out of the recent inquiries into shipping casualties, I would refer him to the statement I made in this House on the 18th July. As regards the last part of the question, I am not aware of any proposals to alter the present load-line regulations. I might refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Burnley (Vice-Admiral Campbell) on 20th March last.