§ MR. R. W. DUFFasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, in the case of the four seamen of the brig "Maggie" recently sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour in Edinburgh Gaol, it having been admitted in evidence that the Captain intended to proceed on a long voyage short-handed, that did not constitute a sufficient reason for the crew refusing to sail; and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Home Secretary with a view to the immediate release of the prisoners?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE,in reply, said, he could not give his hon. Friend any information in this case at the present moment, because it did not come directly before the Board of Trade. It was a case of criminal procedure, which had gone to the Home Office. He could not give an opinion on the legal question, but he was in communication with the Home Office on the subject.