22. Sir G. PARKERasked how many British vessels were cleared from British ports for Canadian ports in 1886, in 1896, and in 1912; and what was the number of seamen employed in these ships for the same years respectively?
Mr. BUXTONThe total number of British vessels cleared from ports in the United Kingdom for Canada was 626 in 1886 with a total registered tonnage of 851,537 tons; 581 with a tonnage of 1,090,277 tons in 1896; and 536 with a tonnage of 2,358,536 tons in 1911. Particulars as to the total crews of these vessels are not available, and could only be ascertained by an examination of the records of each 'individual vessel—a lengthy and laborious inquiry.