§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade is he aware that a seaman named Dean was so badly wounded by a revolver shot, fired by the fourth officer of the steamship "Runic" on her last voyage between Australia and Cape Town, that he had to be put in hospital at Cape Town when the ship arrived at that port; and what steps, if any, he has taken to have this case investigated; and if it is the intention of the Board of Trade to prosecute, will he secure the attendance of the seamen who witnessed the shooting and are now in Liverpool, but will no doubt be at sea again if not summoned in time.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralI am in communication with the owners of the "Runic," and have seen extracts from the official log with regard to the occurrence to which the hon. Member refers. I understand that the vessel is expected to arrive at Liverpool to-day, when further inquiry shall be made, and the matter, if necessary, placed in the hands of the police.