§ Mr. BARNESI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he is aware that, in connection with the seamen's dispute at Liverpool, three Board of Trade officials went to Birkenhead on Monday last and transferred part of two Chinese crews on to two boats in the river; whether this interference in the dispute was done with the sanction of the Department; whether as regards these Chinese seamen the language test was put into operation; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter and take steps to prevent a repetition of such action?
Mr. RUNCIMANI received this question just before three o'clock. I communicated with my Department, and I am told there that they have no knowledge whatever of the facts which are stated in the question of my hon. Friend. If he will allow me, I will make a further communication with Liverpool and communicate with him.