§ Mr. CAPEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that when the Dutch motor vessel, "Alko," carrying china clay from Par, Cornwall, to Leith, was sunk in collision in the North Sea on 10th March, she had on board the master, his wife, two children, and only three crew, whereas a British motor coaster of comparable tonnage carries master, mate, two A.B.'s, one O.S., and two engineers; and whether he will take steps to prevent such inequalities in manning between vessels engaged in competition in a purely British domestic trade?
§ Dr. BURGINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Cases of inadequate manning of coasting ships, whether British or foreign, are dealt with on their merits and without distinction as regards nationality.