§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that 18 marine firemen were sent to prison for 21 days at the Glasgow J.P. Court on a charge of having left the s.s. "Assyria" on sailing day; that these men were unaware that they had signed articles for a reduction of £per month in wages, and that, having made the discovery on sailing day, they refused to proceed on the ground that they had not been properly informed; that no facilities were provided for legal defence, and that the men were informed by an official in court that as the charge was a trifling one it would be desirable for them to plead guilty; and if, in the circumstances, he will consult the Secretary for Scotland with a view to the men's release, or, alternatively, a remission of the sentence?
§ Captain ELLIOTMy Noble Friend has called for an early report on this ease, and will inform the hon. Member of his decision as soon as possible.