§ Mr. Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of outbreaks of fire in vessels berthed in Mersey Docks and Harbour Board docks during the years 1957–58, respectively; how many outbreaks of fire on vessels at sea were brought to these docks for action 259W by local authority fire services on Merseyside; and if he is satisfied that the arrangements and liaison between ship owners, dock authorities, and local authorities are adequate to the requirements of the fire services.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am informed that in 1957 the Liverpool, Bootle and Birkenhead fire brigades attended 57 outbreaks of fire in vessels berthed in Mersey Docks and Harbour Board docks, and that in 1958 they attended 36 such outbreaks. Of these, two fires in 1958 were on vessels which had caught fire at sea. I am advised that the arrangements for liaison with the shipowners and dock authorities are good.