HC Deb 12 July 1904 vol 137 cc1357-8
MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any report from His Majesty's Consul at the Port of Brest, France, with regard to the alleged mutiny on board the British steamer "Homewood"; and whether he can state how many of the sailors and firemen were foreigners, and what were their nationalities, and also to state whether these men could speak and understand the English language.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

Yes, Sir, I have received a report from His Majesty's Consul at Brest in regard to a disturbance on board the "Homewood." There was no mutiny. One member of the crew assaulted another, and when the master attempted to handcuff the offender he was attacked by two of the dockers who were working on board the vessel. Members of the crew came, however, to the assistance of the master and protected him against further assault. The crew (other than officers) of the "Homewood," when the Articles were opened at Antwerp, consisted of four Germans, four Swedes, two Belgians, one Norwegian, one Swiss, one Turk, and two British. I have no information as to their knowledge of English.

MR. NANNETTI

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether these men understood the English language.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I do not think that is necessary. They seem, under the circumstances, to have behaved very well.