HC Deb 13 July 1938 vol 338 cc1326-7
75. Mr. McGovern

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the cargo boats owned by Messrs. Burns and Laird, Limited, and sailing between Glasgow and Derry, are seriously overcrowded; whether any inspection of these boats takes place, especially during July and August; whether there is a sufficient number of lifeboats in case of a disaster to the ship; and whether he is aware that these boats are quite unsuitable for passenger traffic?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Cross)

I assume that the question refers to boats which carry passengers as well as cargo and which are granted passenger certificates after survey each year. I have no evidence that they carry more than their authorised complements of passengers. The lifesaving appliances on board are in accordance with the regulations.

Mr. McGovern

Is the hon. Member aware that during the months of July and August these vessels are very seriously overcrowded, that they are completely unsuitable for passenger traffic, and that the conditions in them are actually a scandal, as everyone knows; and will we have an inspection made during July or August?

Mr. Cross

The Glasgow police check the numbers of passengers from time to time. As to the other part of the hon. Member's question, I will reply to that in the next question.

Mr. Garro Jones

Are any tests ever made to ascertain how many of these lifeboats will float? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great many of them are filled up with junk and spring a leak owing to their dryness immediately after they are launched, and will he not bring these matters within the powers of inspection of the officials of the Board?

Mr. Cross

They are inspected every year, and I cannot accept the hon. Member's statement.

Mr. R. Gibson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these boats call at Greenock and that there have been very serious complaints about the inadequate accommodation for passengers available on the boats?

76. Mr. McGovern

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious overcrowding that takes place in boats plying between Ardrossan and the Isle of Man, also between Ardrossan and Ireland and Glasgow and Ireland, especially during July and August; that in the event of a disaster the available lifeboats could not provide for 10 per cent. of the passengers; and will he order an inspection on 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th July, on both day and night services, with a view to preparing a report and, if necessary, a prosecution of the owners?

Mr. Cross

I have no evidence that any of these steamers carries more than its authorised complement of passengers. The lifesaving appliances on board are in accordance with the statutory requirements. The local police check the number of passengers from time to time and their attention has been drawn to the suggestion in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. McGovern

Will not the hon. Gentleman have an inspection made during this period, when passenger traffic is very high; and is it not much better to see that the law is carried out than to have a disaster and then have an inquiry into it?

Mr. Cross

We are completely satisfied as to the number of passengers carried. Both our principal officers in the Glasgow district and the chief of the marine division of the Glasgow police are satisfied that these vessels do not carry numbers in excess of their passenger certificate, and in addition to that, as I have already informed the hon. Member, we are asking the police to make some further inspection.