Page 58 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 19 - 22

Sir Robert Finlay: Two, and six partially. Mr. Harbinson: Is it not popularly supposed that these huge boats, with watertight compartments the same as you have put on the “Titanic,” are regarded as unsinkable? 20823. (The Commissioner.) I do not know what “popularly supposed” means. What do you mean? Do you mean to say that an ignorant man in the street supposes it, or what do you mean? Mr. Harbinson: I mean the view held by the general public. The Commissioner: Who are the general public? I am not going to sit here to enquire into what the general public think. Mr. Harbinson: It was you who elicited the answer, my Lord. The point I am on is as regards unsinkability. The Witness: Floatability [There is no Question 20824.] Mr. Harbinson: Yes, I think that is better - floatability. It now having been proved that these boats in times of danger will sink like other boats - The Commissioner: That has not been proved. Mr. Harbinson: My Lord, it has been proved that - The Commissioner: There are many other boats that have not got any watertight bulkheads at all. Mr. Harbinson: I do not think any of the first class liners - The Commissioner: That may be, but you talked about “other boats.” 20825. (Mr. Harbinson.) I think Mr. Wilding pretty well understands what I mean. (To the Witness.) That being so, did you not consider it desirable that lifeboat accommodation should be provided for all? - No, I am of the same opinion as Mr. Sanderson, which he put very well in his evidence. The Commissioner: It is for this tribunal to express an opinion upon that point. You may ask him any facts which will guide us. 20826. (Mr. Harbinson.) That is what I am going to do. (To the Witness.) Do you know whether or not, during the construction of the “Olympic” and “Titanic” any conversation took place with Mr. Andrews regarding ample boating accommodation for all passengers and crew on these steamers? - As far as my memory serves me there was no proposal made that boats should be fitted, or even a plan prepared showing accommodation for everyone on board. 20827. (The Commissioner.) Can you tell me this: Was there at the time the “Titanic” was built any liner in existence that you know of that had boat accommodation for everybody on board, and, if so, what is the name? - Some liners of moderate size, my Lord. 20828. Do you mean the P. and O. boats? - And the Royal Mail boats. 20829. When you say the Royal Mail, you mean the company? - The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company’s boats. 20830. They stand in an exceptional class. I mean liners on this trade between this country and America. Do you know of any liner carrying immigrants to America or emigrants from this country to America that had lifeboat accommodation for every passenger and member of the crew intended to be carried? - I believe there is no boat which - 20831. Will you answer the question? - I am trying to, my Lord. 20832. You can say yes or no, and then I will ask you another question. Do you know of any such boat? - No. 20833. Then I do not want to ask you any other question? - Your Lordship’s question was not quite clear. 20834. Do try to answer the questions simply, and then we will get on possibly? - Quite, my Lord, but your Lordship said ships which would carry boats for everyone on board.