Questions on the Loss of the Steamship Titanic.
LOSS OF SS. "TITANIC." Mr. BOTTOMLEY asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the importance of farming regulations preventing British passenger ships to New York during the late winter and early spring from adopting the Northern Atlantic route for the purpose of breaking records, and what proportion the lifeboat accommodation of the "Titanic" bore to the number of passengers? The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton): Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of the question. I would rather not answer offhand. Lord C. BERESFORD: Is there any later news of the sad loss of the "Titanic"? The PRIME MINISTER: The news received by the Board of Trade this morning is in these terms- it is from the White Star Company. "The 'Olympic' reports the 'Carpathia' reached the 'Titanic's' position at daybreak. She found boats and wreckage only. 'Titanic' had foundered about 2.20 a.m., 41.16 N., 50.14 W. All her boats accounted for. About 675 souls were saved of crew and passengers- latter nearly all women and children. Leyland liner 'Californian' is remaining and searching the position of the disaster. The 'Carpathia' is returning to New York with the survivors." No futher news has yet been received by the Board of Trade. Perhaps the house will allow me to add this. I am afraid we must brace ourselves to confront one of those terrible events in the order of Providence which baffle foresight, which appal the imagination and which make us realise the inadequacy of words to do justice to what we feel. We cannot say more at this moment than to give necessarily imperfect expression to our sense of admiration that the best traditions of the sea seem to have been observed, and of the willing sacrifices which were offered to give the best chance of safety to those who were the least able to help themselves, and the warm and heartfelt sympathy of the whole nation to those who find themselves suddenly bereft of the nearest and dearest in their desolated homes. [Members in all parts of the House removed their hats during the Prime Minister's statement.]Close