§ MR. CANDLISHasked the President of the Board of Trade, If it is his intention to introduce a measure to consolidate and amend the Laws regulating our Mercantile Marine?
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI am aware that it is an object of considerable importance to consolidate and amend the laws relating to our Mercantile Marine. I am afraid, however, the task is one of great difficulty and labour. That, however, would not be any reason for our declining to undertake it. The reason why we are not now prepared with a measure of the kind is this:—It is our intention to introduce a Bill containing several important Amendments of the present law, and I think it will be much more satisfactory to discuss these Amendments by themselves. The Bill will be introduced into the House as early as the state of public business will allow. If we shall be able within a reasonable time to pass it, I hope we shall have time to prepare a Consolidation Bill and to lay it on the table of the House before the end of the Session, so that it may be well considered before the discussion be taken on it in the following Session.