§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is; aware that the British steamer "Roddam" engaged a crew of foreigners at the port of Hamburg (Germany); whether he is aware that this crew is practically being kept as prisoners on board this vessel in the Tyne, being guarded by police officers; and whether he can state who is paying for the services of the police officers so employed.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) I have made inquiries and I find that the "Roddam" arrived in the Tyne about midnight on the 15th ultimo, that a constable was sent at the master's request to prevent unauthorised persons going on board his ship, and that the cost of this was charged to the owners. The "Roddam'' sailed from the Tyne on the 19th ultimo. I he crew, exclusive I of officers and engineers, were foreigners engaged at Hamburg. When the day's work was finished they were allowed to go to and fro between the ship and the shore without molestation, and were perfectly free. The object of having the police officer on board was as stated above, and was in accordance with the common practice of masters with Continental crews. It was not in any way for the purpose of interring with the men's liberty.