Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any representations have been made to him, and, if so, what, regarding the preference shown in respect of the employment of coloured seamen on board the vessels of the British Mercantile Marine; and whether he contemplates taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMRepresentations have been received on various matters relative to the employment of coloured seamen on board British ships, and they are under consideration by the Board of Trade in consultation with the Home Office, but I am not at present in a position to say whether it will be possible to take action in the matter.