§ MR. ALDERMAN LUSKasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is true that the crew of a British ship, imprisoned in Sandwich Gaol, Kent, for refusing to proceed to sea in their ship, have been unconditionally released; and, if so, under what circumstances their release has been advised; and, whether he will lay the Papers referring to this matter upon the Table?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEsaid, in reply, that the circumstances stated in the Question were substantially true, the case being shortly this—the Balaclava anchored in the Downs in a leaky state, and several of the seamen refused to go to sea in her, alleging that she was in an unseaworthy state. They were taken before a magistrate and sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour, and subsequently the vessel proceeded to sea, but had to put into Portsmouth, where she was found to be leaky and unseaworthy, and her cargo was now being discharged. Upon these facts coming to the knowledge of the Board of Trade, he communicated with the Home Office, and the men were very properly discharged.