§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ (6.51.) THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.In moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I wish to explain that its object is to confirm a Convention by which British mail ships will be put on the same footing as foreign ones. The fact of foreign mail ships possessing the privileges of men-of-war has caused great discontent among British shipowners, who are placed in an inferiority to foreign owners, but they will now be on precisely the same footing. There is a provision that, if a warrant is to be executed on board, notice must be given to the Consular officer, and the ship may be detained for an hour if he is absent at the time. Power is also given to enter into a permanent bail bond, that bail bond and damages claimed under it to be enforceable in the country of jurisdiction, so that any claim against a French ship will be recoverable in London. There is one provision which will require shipmasters to receive on board mails in a port of France as in an English port at the same rates as those fixed by the Postal Union of 1874. It is most important that this Bill should be read a second time this evening, in order that the new Convention may be ratified before the end of the month.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.