[SECOND READING.]
Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
My Lords, this Bill has been through the House of Commons without any amendment at all. It is a small Bill to remove certain doubts as to the true interpretation of certain sections of the Merchant Shipping Acts of 1894 and 1906. It is now made clear that by agreement with the master an allotment note may be granted to a seaman providing for payment of a greater sum than one half of the wages, and for payment at a period earlier than one month from the date of the agreement with the crew and at intervals more frequent than one month. This will be an advantage to seamen trading on long voyages, and as I understand that the Board of Trade favour this Bill I hope your Lordships will see your way to give it a Second Reading. I beg to move.
Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a .—( Lord Nunburnholme.)
On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.