§ 30. Mr. EDEasked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken to amend and modernise the regulations governing the manning of the mercantile marine and the conditions, including safety, in that service?
§ Dr. BURGINNew instructions regarding the deck manning of foreign-going ships have been in force since July 17 last. Revised instructions as to annual load line surveys are under consideration by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, and new draft instructions as to crew accommodation will shortly be submitted to that committee. Discussions are proceeding with the classification societies and the industry in regard to the steps to be taken to implement the recommendations of the Steering Gear Committee. As an interim measure a letter, drawing the attention of owners of cargo ships to the special measures which the Board of Trade consider ought to be taken in regard to steering gear, hatch covering arrangements and annual load line surveys, has been sent to the shipowners' organisations and has been circulated by them to shipowners concerned.
§ Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLEWhat action has been taken with regard to the health provisions which have been suggested and urged upon the Board of Trade for at least 20 years and nothing done? Has anything been done with regard to the messing and health services required for the men?
§ Dr. BURGINA great deal has been done, but obviously that is entirely a different question from the one on the Paper.