Mr. ROBINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if there is any evidence showing that recent serious losses in the mercantile marine are due to the raising of the load line; and if it is proposed to restore the Plimsoll line?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSAlterations were made in the load line tables on the advice of technical experts in 1906 and statements were subsequently made that these alterations had caused increased danger. These statements were fully investigated436W by a Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Philip Watts, which reported in 1915, and were found to be without foundation. The matter has been carefully watched since 1915, and there is no reason to question the view that the alterations made in 1906 have not caused increased danger.