§ MR. WILLIAM RUTHERFORDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain British steamships using the port of Liverpool are manned by Chinese, to the exclusion of British labour; and whether he would be disposed to take any steps in the matter.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE,) Carnarvon BoroughsYes, Sir, and I admit the importance of the question referred to by the hon. Member. The number of foreigners in the British Mercantile Marine who cannot understand the English language is a matter of grave concern, and, in connection with the Shipping Bill to be shortly introduced, I am considering whether any palliative can be applied.
§ MR. JOYCE (Limerick)Is it not the fault of the British shipowner that these foreigners are employed?
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Because they accept low wages.
§ MR. WILLIAM RUTHERFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that my Question relates solely to Chinese labourers on British merchant ships?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEAnd I have answered the hon. Member's Question.