Lord Templemoved for leave to bring in a bill, to regulate the business of pilots navigating the British seas. The necessity of such a bill, he said, was become as obvious, as its utility must be important to the commercial interests of these countries, inasmuch as the losses sustained every year, both of property and lives, in consequence of the business of pilotage being frequently undertaken by persons unlicensed, ignorant, and unskilful, loudly called for some such regulations as he intended in the bill. He did not mean to press it through the house at this late. period of the session; but, merely, that it should be read the 1st and 2d time; and go into a committee, for such amendments as should immediately appear necessary; 1147 and then to be printed, for the information of the parties interested, in order to such further suggestions as might be made, and to bring the measure forward in the next session of parliament, in as perfect a form as possible.
§ Mr. Alderman Prinsepseconded the motion, and only regretted the absence of several members interested in commercial concerns, who, he was sure, if they were present, would heartily approve the measure, and cheerfully join with him, in returning thanks to the noble lord for bringing it forward. It was not merely from the ignorance or unskilfulness of such pilots, that the extensive losses, in property and life, alluded to by the noble lord, annually occurred; but from their combinations, their obstinacy, and their desire of extortion, in refusing to go out for the assistance of vessels in rough weather, or apparent danger, until they had made the most exorbitant stipulations with the mercantile interests in the different ports, for the reward of their services; by which means their assistance was often delayed so long, as to come too late for the salvation of ship or crew. He hoped, therefore, the bill would include some measure of effectual regulation.—The motion was agreed to; and lord Temple presented the bill, which was read the 1st time.