§ MR. HAMBROasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, 1100 Whether it is a fact that fifteen seamen belonging to the late steamship "Peru" are now undergoing in Dorchester Castle a sentence of twelve weeks' imprisonment with hard labour for refusing to go to sea in that ship; whether it is a fact that that ship foundered at sea two days after leaving Portland Harbour; and, if the facts are as alleged, he will promptly take the proper means for relieving these men from any further punishment in consequence of the sentence inflicted on them? He also wished to know, whether the right hon. Gentleman intended to institute any official inquiry into the matter?
MR. BRUCEIn reply to the Question of the hon. Member, I have to state that no information whatever upon this subject has reached the Home Office. As I only saw the Question on the Paper this morning, it was impossible in such a short period for me to obtain any information relative to the ship he refers to. If, however, the hon. Member will repeat his Question at a more convenient time, and thus give me an opportunity of acquiring information on the subject, I shall be happy to answer it. Without some knowledge of the facts of the case, it is impossible for me to state what course ought to be pursued in the matter.