HC Deb 17 February 1881 vol 258 c1088
DR. CAMERON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been called to a statement contained in the "Glasgow Evening Citizen" of Saturday last as to the disappearance of the Steamer "Ferret," chartered from the Highland Railway Company by persons alleged to have given fictitious references and to have paid for the hire and outfit of the vessel in bills since dishonoured, which sailed from the Clyde in October last, and is said not to have been heard of since; whether, as stated, instructions have been sent to Her Majesty's Consuls abroad to look out for the vessel; and, whether any information has been received as to her movements?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I was informed in December last by the Highland Railway Company of the disappearance of this vessel. I learnt from the Registrar of Shipping that she was at Malta in the middle of January. Since then I have heard nothing of her. If I receive any further information it shall be communicated at once to the owners.