§ Mr. KELLYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a periodical inspection of the light vessels and steamboats at Trinity House; if so, by whom is the inspection conducted and at what periods is this work done; and whether investigation is made into the water supplied for drinking purposes, particularly into the method of storing the water in clean tanks or other vessels?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have been supplied by the Trinity House with the following information:
Each light vessel and steam vessel is inspected every year by a Committee of Elder Brethren. In addition to the annual inspection by the Elder Brethren each light vessel is inspected every six months by the superintendent of the district in which the vessel is situated. The steam vessels, which are stationed at one or other of the Trinity House depots, are under the constant supervision of the superintendent. At their inspections the Elder Brethren personally investigate the question of the water supplied for drinking purposes and inquiry is made as to whether the crew have any complaints to make on this or any other subject. The Elder Brethren have recently inquired into the question of the water supplied to all the light vessels belonging to Trinity House, and as a result it is found there have been very few complaints in regard to the water. These have been immediately investigated and the matter rectified and no ill effects have resulted. Great care is taken to ensure the supply of clean water to light vessels. As regards the cleaning of the tanks, with the exception of a few of the older light vessels the tanks are fitted so that they can be cleaned out whilst the vessel is on station, and this is done from time to time as necessary. In a few instances where the tanks are not accessible to be 3241W readily cleaned out the water is replenished frequently and there is no instance within the knowledge of the Trinity House of a man's health having suffered through the water supply.
The tanks on the steamers are thoroughly cleansed once a year and at intervals as necessary. The fresh water tanks on the steam vessels are situated in the hold: in the light vessels they are situated below the lower deck. The fresh water tanks on the steam vessels are replenished frequently with water direct from the water main at the various Trinity House depots, and the water in the tanks is continually in circulation. The tanks on the light vessels are replenished at the monthly relief and oftener if required from the tanks on board the steam vessels. There is no definite regulation as to the periodical cleaning of light vessel water tanks, but it is recognised to be part of the duty of the master of the light vessel, who is responsible for the cleanliness and efficiency of the vessel, to clean them as often as he considers necessary; if he found anything wrong it would be his duty to report to the superintendent of the district.