§ MR. DONKIN (Tynemouth)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the event of the new Tonnage Bill becoming law, British ships being treated retrospectively, and the tonnage of many being increased, foreign shipowners who have practically adopted our system of measurement by the Act of 1854, will be also compelled 982 to have their ships measured under similar circumstances, and the tonnage of such ships be similarly increased?
§ *SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACHIn the event assumed by the hon. Member's question, foreign ships which have on application of their owners been measured under the Isabella ease in this country, would certainly be liable to re-measurement, and to be treated in the same manner as British ships, if they again come to a British port.
§ MR. DONKINMy question refers only to the Act of 1854. The Isabella decision arose out of the Act of 1867.
§ *SIR M. H. BEACHI do not understand the hon. Member's question.