§ Mr. CROOKSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the crew of the steamship "Buxton," owned by the Deddington Steamship Company of Hull, signed articles on board ship at Antwerp on 28th March, and that the crew were engaged by a shipping master named O'Connor; if he is aware that the seamen did not receive their advance notes in the presence of the consular officer, but had to proceed to O'Connor's house to get them; if he is aware that eight francs were deducted from the advance notes then given to the seamen and firemen for what O'Connor called shipping fees; and, if, in order to abolish this disadvantage to seamen, he will at once introduce a Bill making it compulsory for all masters signing crews on British ships in foreign ports to give the advance note to their men in the Consul's office, in the presence of the Consular officer, and requiring the amount of the advance of wages to be entered in the articles of agreement?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)I understand that the crew of the s.s. "Buxton" were engaged at Antwerp on the 28th March. No application was made by the crew, in the presence of the Consular Officer before whom they were engaged, 2210 for any advances on account of their wages, and no advance notes were issued by the master. I am informed, however, that several members of the crew, subsequent to signing the agreement, obtained advances from the shipping master through whom they were selected, but I have no information as to the fees alleged to have been paid. I am afraid that the matter is not one in regard to which legislation would be likely to afford an effective remedy.
§ Mr. CROOKSMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will allow a letter to be sent to the Consul with the view to the protection of these seamen who are simply the victims of crimps?
§ Mr. TENNANTI will be very glad to confer with my hon. Friend on that point.