§ 1. Mr. EDE,asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position of the promised revision of the regulations for the manning and safety of ships in the mercantile marine?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)Revised instructions on manning and load line surveys have been referred to the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee. As regards steering gear, my right hon. Friend is awaiting the supplementary report of the Steering Gear Committee.
§ Mr. EDEWill the hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the President of the Board of Trade the increased anxiety 1343 that is being felt as a result of the findings in the case of the "Sheaf Brook"?
§ Dr. BURGINThose findings are well known. With regard to the questions of manning and the load line, the report of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee has been received, and on that report new instructions have been prepared. It is the custom to refer such instructions back for further consideration to the committee which made the recommendation. With regard to steering gear, the first report has been received, and we are awaiting a technical report. On that report action will be taken.
§ Mr. EDEWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that, in this game of battledore and shuttlecock, the shuttlecock is seamen's lives?
§ Earl WINTERTONIn view of the general disquiet that there is in the country over this matter, can the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that these regulations will be published as early as possible?
§ Dr. BURGINCertainly With a view, first, to finding the facts, and then to taking the right action, these committees have been set up. In the one case the report has been received and the instructions have been drafted on that report.