§ Sir M. BARLOWasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has information to the effect that the conditions on many American ships with regard to baths, provision of bedding, and the messing arrangements for seamen are much better on American tramp steamers than on many British tramp steamers; and whether he will consider inquiring into the conditions on British tramp steamers, with a view to their improvement.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not in a position to make a satisfactory comparison between the conditions prevailing on British and on American ships, but the question of the accommodation for officers and seamen on British ships was recently brought before the Board of Trade by a deputation from the Trades Union Congress, and it is now under consideration.