HC Deb 09 March 1896 vol 38 cc422-3
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether a Return for 1895, showing the classification of persons employed in the mercantile marine, similar to that for 1891, put in by Mr. Howell of the Board of Trade before Sir Edward Reed's Committee, could be laid before Parliament?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

The return for 1891, referred to by the right hon. Baronet, was taken from some tables which were compiled by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, and printed for the use of the Department in 1893. I have already decided to have a similar return prepared this year, and I see no objection to its being laid upon the Table. The information has, however, to be extracted from the log and list of each vessel, and a very considerable period must therefore elapse before the Return can be completed.