§ 37. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of British subjects who are officers or masters on foreign merchant vessels and the nationality of the vessels which they are commanding or officering?
Mr. BUXTONI have no available figures in regard to the number of British subjects who are masters or officers on foreign merchant ships, but such information as is in the possession of the Board of Trade suggests that a certain number of British subjects are so employed. It would be difficult, I fear, to obtain reliable figures, but I am considering whether any useful inquiries on the subject could be made.
§ Mr. PETOWill the right. hon. Gentleman give such figures as are available, bearing out his statement made on Wednesday last?
Mr. BUXTONMy statement was to the effect that the number of alien masters was just 1 per cent., and I said that there were probably as many British masters serving under foreign flags. That was the statement I made, and I said I would see if I could get any further information.