§ Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state in how many cases since the issue of the Board of Trade circular to shipowners have hospitals been installed on board merchant ships for the use of members of the crew falling sick; and whether he will now take into his consideration the desirability of enforcing the provision of such hospitals either by recourse to legislaton or otherwise?
Mr. BUXTONFifty-seven ocean going cargo vessels have been fitted with hospitals for seamen since the issue of the Board of Trade circular. The provision of these hospitals cannot be made compulsory without legislation, which, as the hon. Member will be aware, is not practicable this Session.