§ Captain W. BENN(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the imprisonment of nine British seamen at Corunna, members of the crew of the steam tug "Atlas"; whether they allege that they are ill-fed and confined with felons, and whether immediate steps can be taken for their liberation, and for an investigation of the case?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir P. Lloyd-Greame)My Department received information yesterday from the Crown Agents to the Colonies that they had received a telegram from the master of the steam tug "Atlas" as follows: "Part crew in mutiny since Saturday. All under arrest —signing on local crew. Full details follow." I have also received from the hon. and gallant Member a copy of a letter from one of the crew stating that the crew had not received proper rations, and that numerous complaints hail been made, but had led to no improvement and complaining of the circumstances of their arrest and imprisonment. I have telegraphed to the British Consul at Corunna for a full report, and I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.