§ Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyThis Clause is of some importance because of the increasing adoption of containers. We have recently learned that the first specifically container ships are being built. Such ships will carry quite a lot of cargo on deck. This is a fairly recent development which may not have been fully foreseen in the Convention.
Will the Board of Trade take fully into account the new requirements and do nothing to hamper the loading of containers, some of which must travel as deck cargo?
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuYes. The development of deck cargo is extremely important in merchant shipping, and the purpose of the Clause is to widen our powers over deck cargo. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it used to be only timber, and it applies now to all cargoes, including containers. Every consideration will be given, in the framing of regulations, to ensure that nothing is done to hamper the development of container cargoes.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.