§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information regarding the mutinous behaviour of the Chinese crew of the British steamer "Skerries" on a voyage from New York to Australia, necessitating the steamer putting back to Mauritius, some 820 miles, where the Chinese were paid off and a fresh crew of Creoles shipped to enable the steamer to proceed on her voyage; whether he can state at what port these Chinese were shipped, the period of engagement, and the rate of wages; and whether, in view of the danger to British lives and property, he will issue a notice to British shipowners warning them of the danger of employing Chinese on board their vessels?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)I have seen reports in the Press of the behaviour of the Chinese crew of the s.s. "Skerries," but I have as yet no further information as to the circumstances. This vessel engaged her crew at North Shields on the 9th September, 1910, for a voyage not exceeding three years' duration. The 1820 wages paid to the Chinese seamen were as follows:—
Further inquiry will be made into the whole matter as soon as possible.
Per month. Ship's cook, No. 1 fireman, and boatswain £5 0 0 No. 2 fireman £4 0 0 Some of the deck hands and donkeyman £3 15 0 Remainder £3 10 0
§ Mr. O'GRADYWill the hon. Gentleman inquire whether a language test was applied before the crew was shipped?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, I will make that inquiry.