§ Mr. Aglionbywished to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman the Vice-President of the Board of Trade, relative to the Merchant Seamens' Service Fund. The right hon. Gentleman would recollect, that many petitions had been presented complaining of the abuse of the collection and administration of that fund, and of the existing law. In 1840 a committee had sat upon this subject, and having received some evidence, had expressed its belief, that many abuses and much corruption existed; but it did not in its report suggest the adoption of any specific measure. He wished to know whether the matter was under the consideration of her Majesty's Government, and whether they might hope shortly to see some measure introduced to remedy the defects.
Mr. Gladstonesaid, that the subject was under the consideration of the Board of Trade, and he hoped before many weeks elapsed, to be enabled to lay some measure before the House.