§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the Government have abandoned their intention of proposing legislation on the subject of the discipline and condition of Merchant Seamen, similar to that embodied in the Bill which last year was referred to and considered by a Select Committee?
§ VISCOUNT SANDONSir, my hon. and learned Friend has, I think, overlooked the fact that it was mentioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the first day of this Session that the Government had arranged to bring in a Bill respecting merchant seamen if the state of Public Business permitted. I may add that I have given my best consideration during the winter to the Report of the Select Committee of last year as well as to the subject generally, and we have prepared a Bill which, though I am happy to say it is a short one, deals with matters of considerable importance to our Mercantile Marine, and will, I have reason to hope, prove acceptable generally to both shipowners and sailors.