§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to a collapsible 515W lifeboat which is different from the ordinary folding lifeboat, inasmuch that the covering is of an elastic material, being composed of an inner layer of India rubber one-eighth of an inch thick, the two outer layers being of canvas, which, being combined, makes the material pliable against any floating wreckage, such as timbers, etc.; and whether he is prepared to give the matter his attention and see the maker of such a lifeboat?
Mr. ROBERTSONMy attention has not been called to the boat to which my hon. Friend refers. If particulars of the boat are submitted they will be considered, but from the description given in the question it appears doubtful whether the boat can be recognised as a lifeboat under the new rules.