§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on 26th March, 1910, the steamship "Cranmore," belonging to Messrs. Johnston and Co., of Liverpool, engaged a crew at Rotterdam; that Thomas Noble, an able seaman belonging to Liverpool who was out of employment, applied for a berth, showing the chief officer his continuous discharge book, in which was recorded nineteen voyages all marked very good for ability and conduct; whether he has information through the Consul at Rotterdam that this seaman was refused employment on board this British ship on account of his being a British subject; and, if so, whether he will, for the purpose of providing employment for as many British seamen as possible, take some action to prevent British 874 ships bound from Rotterdam, Antwerp, or Hamburg to ports in the United Kingdom from paying off their crews at any of the Continental ports?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have no information as to the facts of the particular case referred to in the question, but I am making inquiries, and the result shall be communicated to my hon. Friend. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Board of Trade have no power to prevent masters of British ships from paying off their crews at Rotterdam, Antwerp, or Hamburg, if, under the articles of agreement, the crews may be so discharged.