Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of recent experience, his Department is satisfied with existing types of hatch coverings; and whether he will consider the desirability of a uniform type of steel hatch covering for future tonnage?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am advised that the existing types of hatch coverings, when in good condition, are satisfactory. While the Board of Trade examine the designs of steel hatch covers in order to decide whether covers of particular design may be used on British ships they are not prepared to insist that all hatch covers shall be of steel or that any particular type shall be used.