§ Mr. FLETCHERasked the President of the Board of Trade how many British 704W ships, including men-of-war, have lifeboats attached to davits?
Mr. BUXTONUnder the statutory rules for life-saving appliances made under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, life-boats attached to davits must be carried by all steamships carrying passengers, except those which ply solely on rivers, lakes, or land-locked inland waters; and also by all non-passenger steamers which make foreign-going or home trade voyages. Other steamers, except launches, which proceed to sea, must carry life-boats, fitted so that they can be readily put out on either side, and, in many cases, these lifeboats are attached to davits. All foreign-going sailing ships, and all sailing ships which carry passengers within the home trade limits, are required to carry lifeboats which must be attached to davits as far as practicable. I regret that I cannot give the number of British merchant ships which have life-boats attached to davits. As regards life-boats attached to davits on men-of-war, I suggest that the hon. Member should put a question to the First Lord of the Admiralty.