§ MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN (Kent, Faversham)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the inquiry into the alleged false imprisonment of three English sailors at Talcahuano in April, 1887, of which complaint was made to the Board of Trade on 22nd July, 1887, is still proceeding; and, if so, what is the cause of the nine months' delay?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)In the first place, let me assure the hon. Member that the seamen referred to in his Question were released from gaol early in April, 1887, so that the length of time occupied in making inquiry is not causing any hardship to the men. The circumstances under which the men were imprisoned have been investigated by a Consular officer specially sent to the spot to make inquiries; and as I only received the Report of that officer yesterday, I can, of course, as yet give no final answer.