§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware under what circumstances a confidential Minute, warning Board of Trade officers against intervening in wages disputes between shipowners and seamen, was recently communicated to certain shipping papers; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into so serious a breach of confidence on the part either of some official or some member of a local marine board?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEThe Minute referred to by the honourable Member was issued on the ordinary form and a copy sent to each superintendent. On this form is printed a note that the papers are to be regarded as confidential, and not exhibited to the public unless specially authorised. This, of course, does not mean that the superintendents are not to communicate them to the local marine boards, who necessarily are made acquainted with all such Minutes issued to superintendents. I regret the publication of the notice, which must have been made either by some official or member of the local marine board. I do not think the matter requires any formal inquiry.