Mr. WEST RUSSELL:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the British representatives at the recent International Conference regarding the alteration of orders to helmsmen; what instructions were given to them before they left this country; and whether any attempt was made before they left to consult representative British opinion on the issue?

I am sending the hon. Member a list of the 14 representa- tives of the United Kingdom at the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea held in London this year. The instructions left them a discretion as to their action on this proposal. Steps were taken before the Conference to ascertain the views of the interests concerned, but I am not prepared to state the nature of the instructions given to the Government delegates which in accordance with the usual practice must fidential.

Mr. TINNE:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steamship "Avance" hit the breakwater when leaving port at Copenhagen recently in consequence of confusion about these new helm orders; and will he take such steps as will avoid the forcing on the British mercantile marine of orders which are entirely against their views?

I am not familiar with the facts of the individual case, but, as I have pointed out previously in replies to questions on this subject, the whole matter must come before Parliament in the form of a Bill, and there will be ample opportunity for consideration.