§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has obtained any further information or particulars regarding the insubordination and mutiny of the Chinese crew of the British steamer "Skerries"; whether, at the time the "Skerries" signed on her crew at North Shields, the current rate of wages for European sailors and firemen was £4 10s. per month; whether the rate of wages for most of the sailors and firemen of the "Skerries" was £3 10s. per month; whether any members of the crew, other than the mates, engineers, and two boy apprentices, were born in the United Kingdom; and whether he has yet issued notices to British shipowners warning them of the danger of employing Chinese crews?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have not yet been able to obtain any further information on the subject to which the hon. Member refers, but inquiries are being made. Full information concerning the wages paid to the Chinese crew of the s.s. "Skerries" was contained in the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member on the 27th July. I understand that the current rate of wages for European sailors and firemen at North Shields in September last was as stated by the hon. Member. I am unable to state whether 781 any members of the crew other than the mates, engineers, and two apprentices were born in the United Kingdom. The issue of the suggested notice does not appear to be a matter in which the Board of Trade could properly take action.