HC Deb 10 November 1908 vol 196 cc22-3
MR. HAVELOCK WILSON (Middlesbrough)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Steamer "Zeeland" recently engaged forty firemen and trimmers at the port of Antwerp, and that the majority were unable to speak or understand the English language; whether he is aware that these firemen and trimmers were supplied by an Antwerp shipping master, who charged fees to the so-called firemen and trimmers for obtaining them employment; whether he is aware of the number of English-speaking firemen and trimmers in Antwerp; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to why a preference was given to foreigners who could not speak or understand the English language.

(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) I am informed that the s.s. "Zeeland" engages thirty firemen and twenty-seven trimmers at Antwerp every trip, and I am assured that there is no reason to suppose that they do not understand English. I have ascertained that the firemen and trimmers were not supplied by, or any fees paid to, an Antwerp shipping master, but were selected at the company's office. I am unable to state the number of English-speaking firemen and trimmers in Antwerp, but British subjects seeking employment at sea are scarce at that port. So far from any preference being given to foreigners who cannot speak or understand English, the Consul General reports that preference is given to seamen of British nationality.