SHIPS’ LOAD-LINES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 259, 2 August 1928, Page 8

SHIPS’ LOAD-LINES

RULES BEING REVISED (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, July 31. The President of the Board of Trade was asked in the House of Commons what action the Government was taking in pursuance of its policy of promoting international uniformity in (be matter of ships’ load-lines. Sir Philip Cunliffe Lister replied that the rules relating to ships’ load-lines were being revised by a conunniittee, and the revised rules would be sent to the Dominion and foreign Governments for consideration. Every effort was being made to secure an international agreement. It was too early yet to say what the precise alteration would be. The Minister added that this subject was not one which in the ordinary course would go before the Committee of the League of Nations. The President of the Board of Trade was asked about the overloading of ships at certain ports, especially ships engaged in the American coastal trade. He replied that the Board of Trade bad been collecting information on the manner in which ships were loaded in different trades. Ho had received a statement to the effect that the overloading of ships took place in certain trades. What action could be taken was being carefully considered in the interest of Hie merchant service. After the Board of Trade had been in consultation with the shipping authorities be hoped to be able to make a statement.