Mr. POINTERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that men signing articles as stewards and employed by the White Star Company on vessels sailing from Southampton are called upon, while at sea, to carry out painting and polishing work; and whether, in the absence of the usual health precautions prevailing in connection with painting work on land, and in view of the fact that these stewards come in contact with not only their own food but the food of 1450 passengers and others, steps can be taken to prevent the practice mentioned?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONI have made inquiries into the matter referred to in this question, and am informed by the White Star Line that stewards are only employed on such work as painting and polishing either in foreign ports, when there are no passengers on board, or at sea in sections of the ship which are at the time unoccupied. While thus engaged the stewards do not come into contact with the food of passengers or others. No complaints have been received either from stewards or passengers as to the practice referred to.
Mr. POINTERHas the right, hon. Gentleman any information to show that while this practice does obtain on the boats of the White Star Line leaving Southampton, it does not obtain on the boats from Liverpool; and if it can be avoided in one case, why not in the other?
§ Mr. BUXTONThis is the report from the White Star Company. Whether there is a difference in the practice or not I cannot say.