asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, as a result of a trade dispute in Southampton, mail steamers and great passenger-carrying vessels which require overhauling on every trip are not coming under the strict survey conditions as laid down in regulations: and will he take steps to prevent these vessels leaving dock in a defective condition?

Mr. WEBB:

There is no foundation for the suggestion that the survey regulations are being relaxed in consequence of the trade dispute at Southampton.