§ Sir J. D. REESasked whether there is any guarantee that lascars engaged on British ships really belong to Asiatic maritime seafaring races, castes, and tribes, and do not include coolies, ex-sepoys, and others unaccustomed to the sea; whether such recruitment is under any supervision on the part of the Government of India; and, if not, whether, in order to ensure, as far as may be, the safety of passengers on British ships any supervision is contemplated?
Mr. BUXTONThe engagement in India of lascars as seamen on board British ships is allowed by Section 125 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. I am informed by the India Office that such seamen sign an agreement in a form sanctioned by the Indian Government. The men are recruited in India through the agency of persons licensed by the Indian Government; and the engagement takes place under the supervision of an officer appointed under the Indian Merchant Shipping Acts. I am not aware that there is any guarantee of the nature indicated by the hon. Member, but a large proportion of lascars are hereditary sailors.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs there any guarantee that they now are? Does the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to take any steps to ensure that they are, or, otherwise, is there no guarantee for their conduct in the case of trouble?
Mr. BUXTONI will communicate with the India Office on the matter, and get the information from them.