§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to pass into law the Merchant Shipping (Safety and Load Line Conventions) Bill before the Christmas Recess; and, if not, whether it is intended to call any further conferences with a view to obtaining the agreement of all shipping interests with regard to Clause 29?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt will not be possible, owing to pressure of other business, to pass the Merchant Shipping (Safety and Load Line Conventions), Bill before the Christmas Recess, but it is intended to proceed with it as rapidly as possible as soon as the House reassembles. No useful purpose would be-served by any further conferences at this stage on the principle of Clause 29. The Board of Trade will call into consultation the Associations of Merchant Service Officers and others concerned in the shipping industry as to the best and safest method of bringing the change into effect.