IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 97, 24 April 1912, Page 7

IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

BOARD OF TRADE'S INTENTIONS. WRECK COMMISSIONER APPOINTED. INVESTIGATION TO COMMENCE AT ONCE. ' (Received April 24, 8.10 a.m.) LONDON, 23rd April. Mr. Will Crooks, M.P., moved the adjournment of the House of Commons to call attention to the necessity of the Board of Trade preventing the officers and crew and passengers of the Titanic dispersing before giving evidence before the British enquiry. The Hon. Sydney Buxton, President of the Board of Trade, in replying, promised to subpoena all the witnesses necessary, and would subsidise the poorer witnesses. Lord Mersey had been appointed Wreck Commissioner, and he would be assisted by assessors. The /committee would commence the investigation directly. The Government was also convening a meeting of British | shipping companies to consider precautione pending a revision of the law. Mr. Crooks withdrew his motion. COMMITTEES TO CONFER. AFFIDAVITS TO BE TAKEN IN AMERICA. Lord Mersey's committee and the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee will meet, to discuss matters affecting the safety of ships at sea. After their report* have been made, Mr. Buxton will decide as to the expediency or otherwise of a further national or international committee or commission being set up. Meanwhile he has ordered affidavits to be taken in America of officers, members of the crew, or passengers by the Titanic who are not returning to England, giving any useful information relating to the 'disaster. \