HC Deb 13 June 1911 vol 26 cc1450-1
Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that it is the practice to embody in a ship's articles of agreement a provision to the effect that should the steamer be detained at any time during the voyage by strikes, lock-outs, or boycotts, the whole of the crew are to be on half-pay, or should a strike be declared at any time whilst loading or discharging, or for thirty consecutive days or more during the voyage, the whole of the crew shall be on half-pay during such time; whether such a condition of service is legal; and, if not, what steps the Board propose to take to protect seafaring people from the operation of such a provision?

Mr. TENNANT

The clause referred to by my hon. Friend was considered by the Board of Trade some time ago, and they were advised that it was not contrary to law. They have, however, issued instructions that if such a clause is proposed to be adopted by the master and seamen, a superintendent of a, mercantile marine office should explain to the seamen that if adopted its consequences might be such as seriously to reduce the wages due to them.

Mr. BOWERMAN

Am I to understand that there is one law for masters and another law for seamen?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir, not at all.