§ 5. Mr. LOGANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in connection with the loss of the steamship "Blairgowrie" with all hands there is evidence that the ship was not seaworthy, and that although it was over 3,000 tons gross it carried only two able-bodied seamen; and whether he proposes to institute a thorough inquiry into the loss of this vessel?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMay I first take this opportunity of expressing my deep sympathy, in which I am sure that the House will join, with the relatives of those lost in this disaster. Preliminary inquiries are being made by my Department, and whether a formal investigation is to be held will be decided in the light of those inquiries. The question of the seaworthiness of the ship will, of course, be examined, but I may say at once that her deck complement was one man in excess of the minimum requirements.
§ Mr. LOGANIs it not possible, in view of the great number of ships that have disappeared with a total loss of lives, for a searching inquiry to be made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt that the formal investigation to which I have referred will throw what light can be thrown on these disasters.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether in this inquiry he will invite representatives from the union of seamen and firemen to be present also, so that they can have a watching brief in the case of the men who were on these vessels?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn the case of a formal investigation of this kind, anyone who can throw any light on the circumstances will be present.
§ Dr. ADDISONWill any inquiry into seaworthiness be made by the committee before subsidy grants are made to tramp ships?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is taken for granted that all vessels which come under the Merchant Shipping Acts and which are on our register are subject to examination, and of course only those are open to receive the subsidy.
§ Dr. ADDISONWhen is such examination made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is made from time to time and continuously.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deep uneasiness in the public mind, particularly in the Liverpool district, on this matter, and, apart from the formal inquiry, does the light hon. Gentleman not think that a thorough public inquiry ought to be held in order to clear the public mind on the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhat is called a formal investigation is a full inquiry. All the circumstances of the case will then be inquired into.
§ 6. Mr. GREENWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the recent loss of life and vessels at sea in circumstances where it can be shown that the vessel was either unseaworthy or undermanned, or both; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent further avoidable loss of life by ensuring that vessels are seaworthy and efficiently manned before going to sea?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, in the cases of recent losses in which inquiries have been completed there was no evidence that the vessels were unseaworthy or undermanned. As regards the cases of the "Blairgowrie" and the "Usworth," in which inquiries are still proceeding, the question of seaworthiness will, of course, be examined, but there is no doubt that the vessels were adequately manned. I may add that a formal investigation will be held into the loss of the "Usworth."
§ Mr. GREENWOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman really think that in the case of the "Blairgowrie" two able-bodied seamen, that is one in excess of regulations, are sufficient manning?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir. If I were to accept the statement of the right hon. Gentleman I should give a wrong impression to the House. The deck hands did not consist only of two able-bodied seamen.
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat is perfectly true. The deck hands consisted of four other people of 21 years of age or under. 182 Has the right hon. Gentleman received copies of correspondence which passed between the captain of the "La Crescenta," lost with all hands recently, and his wife and brother, and, in view of the circumstances, does he consider the boat to have been seaworthy?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not expressing any opinion as to whether a boat is seaworthy or not. We must abide by the judgment of the formal investigation. When that decision is given due publicity will be given to it.
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the second part of my question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot debate the matter now.
§ Mr. GREENWOODIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that at the end of questions I shall ask permission to move the Adjournment of the House.