§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEYmoved the second reading of this Bill, the provision of which he stated, and said that, in asking their Lordships' assent to the second reading of this measure, he would remind them that within the last few years most important alterations had been made in the laws regarding merchant shipping. He was sure that their Lordships would feel pleasure in being informed that these alterations had been attended with the greatest benefits, and that the measure of last year had relieved the merchant shipping of this country of about 100,000l. of dues. There was a balance of 70,000l. remaining in the marine department of the Board of Trade, and there was a sum of 50,000l. expected to be added to that amount in the course of the present year, which would enable the Government to make further reductions. By 133 the Bill recently passed for opening the whole of the coasting trade to the shipping of all countries further advantages had been gained. And their Lordships, he was sure, would agree with him in the opinion that the mercantile marine of this country had never shown greater activity and greater energy than at the present moment, or a greater desire to construct vessels of the highest class and on the most scientific principles of naval architecture. Above all, their Lordships would feel still greater satisfaction at the fact that there never was a period when the remuneration of those who were spending their capital and energies in those works was so great as at present.
Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.
LORD CAMPBELLconcurred in the general objects of this Bill, which he thought would be attended with beneficial results. With regard to the liability of shipowners in case of accidents, he was in favour of limitation to the value of the ship, but would reserve his consideration of the mode proposed till they got into Committee. There were nearly 600 clauses in the Bill, which would require very careful consideration on the part of their Lordships.
§ LORD COLCHESTERwas highly favourable to the principle of consolidating the laws affecting our mercantile marine, and was glad that the whole subject had been brought before them in this Bill. It dealt with no fewer than eleven different branches connected with shipping, and there could be no doubt of the benefit that would be derived from having all these matters brought under one Act of Parliament. There were one or two points on which he thought amendments might be made, and these he would submit to their Lordships when the Bill went into Committee. He thought this measure would be of the greatest possible benefit to all connected with our mercantile marine.
On Question, agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the whole House.