§ Mr. S. Herbertmoved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend and consolidate the Laws Relating to Merchant Seamen, and for keeping a Register of seamen: The Bill followed closely the principle of the Bill introduced in 1835, and merely enacted several alterations in the details of the measure which experience in its working had shown to be necessary. The principle alterations were the carrying out to a greater extent of the system of registration and providing a personal registration, giving greater facilities to shipowners to prevent and punish de- 447 sertion, and giving increased powers to Consuls to prevent the severe treatment of seamen by the masters of vessels.
§ Leave given. Bill brought in and read a first time.