§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of vessels which arrived in British ports during the year ending 31st March, 1911, on which Chinese were members of their crews; how many Chinese were paid off, discharged, or deserted from these ships in British ports during the said period; how many ships signed on Chinese as members of their crews in British ports during the same period, and the numbers of these Chinese; and will he state what became of the balance, if any?
Mr. BUXTONI am making inquiries with regard to the matters referred to by the hon. Member. I shall not, I fear, be able to give him all the figures he asks for, but such information as I can obtain shall be communicated to him.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman make special inquiry as to the accommodation and provision for Chinese sailors at the Port of London?
Mr. BUXTONThat hardly arises out of the question. I do not want to confuse I he two subjects; perhaps the hon. Member will put a question.