§ Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British steamer "Charing Cross" engaged a crew at Penarth in January last; whether this vessel is 2,534 tons gross and only engaged a crew as follows, one mate, one carpenter, one boatswain, three able seamen, one deck hand, and two ordinary seamen; whether he is aware that on the 24th February two of the original crew left and two deck hands were shipped in their places who had recently been employed on Mudhopper No. 19; whether the Board of Trade surveyors had this vessel brought under their notice; and, if so, why she was allowed to proceed to sea in such an undermanned state?
Mr. BUXTONI am making inquiries with regard to the matter referred to in this question, and, when they are completed, I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.