§ 41. Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is-aware that no figures are available showing the number of Chinese engaged on British foreign-going ships under agreements opened at ports between the Elbe and Brest; and whether he will give orders so as to ensure that such figures will be available in the future showing the number engaged, the number producing continuous discharge books, and the number rejected on account of their failure on the language test?
The PRESIDENT of the BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. Bums)I am reluctant to add to the heavy duties in connection with 1855 merchant shipping which are already-thrown upon Consular officers at ports between the Elbe and Brest, but I am making inquiries with a view of ascertaining whether anything can be done to meet the wishes of my hon. Friend without unduly increasing the work of the Consulates.