MERCHANT SHIPPING ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. (Hansard, 17 June 1892)

§ LORD HERSCHELL

My Lords, this is a Bill which is intended to supplement a measure which was passed two years ago, in order to protect life at sea, by diminishing the chances of overloading. That Act provided for the fixing of a load-line, which I believe has worked, on the whole, very satisfactorily; but it is found that the penalties imposed by the Act are not sufficient, really, for the purpose of enforcing it, and that they would be more effectually enforced by giving certain powers of detention to the Board of Trade. The Bill, which I now ask your Lordships to read a second time, has had the support of the President of the Board of Trade in the other House, and, although there were difficulties about some parts of it as originally introduced, I may say that it finally passed, in the form in which now ask your Lordships to read it a second time, with general assent. There is another provision in the Bill which has reference to the inspection of the food provided for sailors on board ship, so as to see that it is in a fit condition and not adulterated. That also is a matter that has been passed with the assent of those interested in shipping, as well as with the hearty and1 cordial support of those who have specially advocated the cause of the protection of those employed at sea, under circumstances in which it is impossible for them to obtain any complete protection for themselves, inasmuch as they are unable to provide other food for themselves if the food provided for them on board ship is of an unlit character. I trust your Lordships will have no difficulty in giving your assent to the Bill.