HC Deb 25 May 1911 vol 26 cc445-6
Mr. HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there is any limit to the number of Chinese who may be employed on British ships; and, if there is a limit, what are the restrictions besides that of knowledge of the English language?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)

There are no legal restrictions on the employment of Chinese seamen beyond the requirement of a knowledge of the English language, which only applies to foreign seamen engaged at ports in the United Kingdom or on the Continent of Europe within home trade limits.

Mr. HUNT

Are there no restrictions as to the number of Chinese sailors employed in our ships?

Mr. BUXTON

I have pointed out the only legal restriction.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the language test for the Chinese seaman is frequently reduced to a farce, as the Chinese are coached to learn by rote the answers to numerical questions.

Mr. BUXTON

An undertaking vas given that there would be a very genuine examination with a view to seeing that the Chinaman had a really substantial knowledge of the English language. I intend to keep that up as far as I can.

Mr. HOUSTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the shipping masters to put the questions irregularly?

Mr. BUXTON

My opinion is that they do not pass a Chinaman unless they are satisfied, after an examination, regular or irregular, that he does understand the words of command.

Mr. HOUSTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table of the House a copy of the questions put to Chinamen?

Mr. BUXTON

No, I do not think I can do that.