HC Deb 04 November 1908 vol 195 cc1217-8
MR. RENWICK

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to to revelations recently made public in the Cardiff Municipal Council in regard to the state of seamen's boarding-houses in that city; and whether he will order an inquiry to be made as to the working of the regulations in force for the supervision and control of seamen's boarding-houses in the seaport towns of the United Kingdom.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Dundee

I have been asked to reply to this Question. I am aware of the allegations which have been made as regards the state of seamen's boarding-houses at Cardiff, and understand that they are not without foundation. I have been in communication with the local authorities and am informed that urgent attention is being given to the matter with a view to securing a rigorous administration of the bye-laws regulating the boarding-houses. I am taking steps to obtain information as regards the state of seamen's boarding-houses at the other seaports, in respect of which the Board of Trade have approved bye-laws and the whole matter will receive careful consideration.