§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take immediate steps to ensure the observance of section 210 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, upon all British registered vessels carrying Lascar or Asiatic crews; and whether, in the event of shipowners violating such section of such Act, he will cause proceedings to be instituted for the recovery of the fine provided for by the same section?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (for Mr. RITCHIE)I understand that in every case of a violation of section 210 of the Merchant Shipping Act the Board of Trade disallow the deduction from tonnage. If that action does not produce the desired effect, they do not hesitate to also prosecute in case of necessity. But with regard to Lascar or Asiatic crews shipped under Indian articles I have already explained the position in reply to the honourable Member's previous Question.