HC Deb 18 February 1908 vol 184 cc609-10
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in every British shipping port of importance there is a seamen's waiting room, who await discharge or engagement in a vessel; and whether seeing that at the Mercantile Marine Office at Belfast no such waiting room exists, he will make inquiries into the matter with the view of having one established.

(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) A waiting room for seamen is attached to the Mercantile Marine Office at most of the larger ports. There is some difficulty in providing a room in the Belfast Office in a convenient position, but I am in communication on the subject with the Irish Board of Works, who are in control of the building.