§ Sir C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of his consultations with the seamen's union and the shipowners resulting in agreement with both parties on the amendments required to the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, if he will now introduce a Bill along the lines already agreed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonExtensive consultations between officials of the Board and the seafarers' and shipowners' organisations about revision of Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 have resulted in a considerable measure of agreement but further work and discussion will be necessary before legislation can be introduced. In any event the Board must of course await the report of the Court of Inquiry under the chairmanship of Lord Pearson whose terms of reference include a review of the law affecting the terms and conditions of seamen and the relations between shipowners, officers and seamen.