§ Mr. JOHN WILLIAMSasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the sailing ship "Clan McPherson" of Glasgow, left Newcastle, New South Wales, on 24th June, 1909, and has not since been heard of; if he can state the number of tons of cargo she had on board and her total carrying capacity; whether the load-line was altered after the issue of the new instructions of the Board of Trade in 1906; if so, what was her total carrying capacity prior to the alteration of the load-line; and whether he can state the number and ratings of the crew?
Mr. BUXTONIt has been decided to hold a formal investigation in the case of the "Clan McPherson," and all the points raised by the hon. Member will then be inquired into. Pending this investigation I prefer to make no statement on the subject.