§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any further steps have been taken to cause an inquiry into the allegations made against the master of the. steamship "Masconomo," due to whoso negligence it is alleged that one of the crew named Thompson has suffered the loss of his right hand; and whether, in view of the difficulty of getting the master of the steamship "Masconomo" and witnesses together, he is prepared to commence the case with the evidence taken on commission?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThis case was brought to the notice of the Board of Trade by the Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Workers' Union, and my right hon. Friend has explained to the union that, until the master and the necessary witness can be brought together it is not possible to have the charges against the master investigated in open Court. The investigation would be made by a Local Marine Board, and I am advised that evidence could not be taken on commission for the purposes of such an inquiry.