§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the representations made to the New Zealand Government as to their merchant shipping legislation concern only the current wages section, or whether any interference with the manning scale, possessed by New Zealand alone in Her Majesty's Dominions, is also contemplated?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The representations made to the Government of New Zealand in regard to their shipping legislation apply only to provisions contained in an Act passed in 1896, which, Her Majesty's Government are advised, are inconsistent with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, and purport to affect vessels not engaged in the coasting trade of the colony.