§ Mr. PERKINSasked what are the numbers of British and of Foreign seamen respectively employed in British ships; how many are of Chinese nationality; how many are of Chinese race but naturalised British; and how many seamen of foreign race, whether naturalised or not., comply with the language test provided under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe figures showing the number of persons employed in vessels belonging to the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands during 1909, published in the Annual Statement of Navigation and Shipping [Cd. 5292], are the latest available statistics. They are as follows:—
The Lascars and Chinese are not separately distinguished, nor have I information showing how many foreign seamen comply with the language test. I may point out that by Section 12 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, British subjects, whether naturalised or not, are exempt from the language test.
British. Foreign. Lascars and Asiatics. 198,474 … 31,873 … 43,960