§ MR. RICHARDSON (Durham, S.E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that seamen who had legally signed articles on board the steamer Sydmonton at Barry on the 12th instant were forcibly taken out of the vessel by a disorderly crowd; and, if so, whether his Department intend taking any steps in the matter?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThe Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at Barry has reported the facts are as stated by the hon. Member; also that a fresh crew was shipped on the 13th instant, when the vessel started on her voyage. As the proceedings were connected with the wages disputes at present prevailing, and were not in the nature of crimping, the Board of Trade do not propose to take any steps in the matter, but there is nothing to prevent a prosecution by the shipowners if they think fit.