HC Deb 20 February 1899 vol 66 c1453
MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what alterations, if any, have been made in Her Britannic Majesty's Consular Shipping Office at New York, United States of America, with regard to the engagement and discharge of seamen; whether instructions have been given to exclude all crimps, boarding house keepers, and others from such office during the time of engagement or discharge of seamen; whether seamen now receive their advance notes in the Consulate; whether shipping fees are still exacted from seamen by crimps; and whether police officers have been engaged to maintain order and prevent seamen being assaulted whilst transacting business in the shipping office?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (for Mr. RITCHIE)

The matter referred to in the Question is one of very considerable difficulty. My right honourable Friend has been in communication with the Foreign Office and with the Consul General at New York on the subject with a view to improving matters, and the Question is still receiving careful consideration.

MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

Has this Question not been before the Board of Trade since July last?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

I believe it has.

MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

When are we likely to have a Report as to what has been done in the matter?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

I cannot say more than I have already said.

MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

I will put a further Question on Friday.

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