§ 11. Mr. SHORTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that although under the Merchant Shipping Acts seamen disputing deductions from wages are entitled to sign Form of Release M, certain seamen on discharge from the steamship "Edinburgh Castle" at Southampton last week were refused such forms; and will he instruct Board of Trade superintendents to issue Form M in all such cases?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSI am informed that when the crew of the "Edinburgh Castle" were discharged at Southampton on the 12th November, none of the crew asked for facilities to sign the release on Form M. If any seaman had wished to reserve a claim against the owners or master he would have been permitted to sign on Form M. Board of Trade Superintendents have standing instructions that this is to be done in such cases, and no further instructions on the subject are necessary.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESHave any steps been taken to inform the sailors that they have these facilities?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI think every sailor is perfectly familiar with the fact.