§ Mr. CROOKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whet her, in view of the attitude taken up by the Shipping Federation, as representing the shipowners, in refusing to agree to the formation of a conciliation board, he will decline to grant the A A form, or certificate of clearance, until the final completion of the crews of the vessels; whether he will notify the superintendents of Mercantile Marine offices not to grant such certificates on their own authority until the final completion of the crews; and whether he will refuse sanction for crews to be signed on at times outside the prescribed office hours?
Mr. BUXTONMy hon. Friend is referring to certain facilities granted in special circumstances for the convenience of the shipping trade of the country. I do 583W not think I should be justified in withdrawing these facilities, which are guarded by careful instructions to secure strict impartiality in the case of any trade dispute arising.