MERCHANT SEAMEN'S FUND. (Hansard, 5 August 1844)

Mr. Gladstone

rose to move a resolution that the Chairman be directed to move for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the law relating to the Relief and Support, in certain cases, of Merchant Seamen, their Widows and Children. The Bill which he wished to bring in, affected the interests and prospects of a class of men which that House, as well as the whole country, regarded with feelings of great interest—he meant the Merchant Seamen of this country, a class who were the least disposed to complain. They were, it was true, dissatisfied with the state of the Seamen's Fund, but his only surprise was, that they were not a hundred times more dissatisfied. They did not object to the compulsory payment of a tax out of their wages, but they wished to see the fund raised by that means placed on a more satisfactory footing. Although the Report of the Committee on this subject had not yet been laid on the Table of the House, he hoped the House would give him so much of their confidence as to allow him to introduce a Bill which should embrace those alterations in the law that were deemed necessary, in order that they might be taken into consideration, both by hon. Members of the House, and by the parties interested during the space of time that would elapse between this and the ensuing Session. The right hon. Gentleman stated the provisions of the Bill, and concluded by moving his Resolution.

§ Mr. Labouchere

had heard the statement with satisfaction, and hoped that in the next Session the important question would be finally settled. He earnestly recommended the right hon. Gentleman during the recess to turn his attention to another question connected with the marine requiring legislation: he alluded to pilotage dues. He admitted that the question was involved in difficulties, not merely from its complication, but from the adverse interests concerned; but he trusted that the sagacity of the right hon. Gentleman would overcome the first, and that his power and influence would reconcile the last. If this object were accomplished an important benefit would be conferred 1786 on the shipping and commercial interests.