HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 cc1217-8W
Mr. BYRNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the Government has yet considered the advisability of having none but daylight sailings to and from Ireland; and if he will cause instructions to be issued for every boat to carry at least six rafts and that the lifeboats shall be unlashed the moment they leave the quayside?

Dr. MACNAMARA

it is not in the public interest to answer the first part of the question; the second part should be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. BYRNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware that this week the Bristol boat has been removed from Dublin to a British port; if he is aware that many industries will be injured and the trade of Dublin handicapped owing to the removal of this steamer; and if he will see that this boat is restored to its Dublin trade?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

The vessel referred to, in common with others in the home and coasting trades, has had to be withdrawn in order to meet an urgent Allied requirement. Every effort will be made to reduce the resulting inconvenience to a minimum.