§ 34. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that about ninety extra men were taken in the stewards' department on board the ss. "Lapland," White Star Line, to be transferred to an American boat; and whether, in view of the fact that this country requires all its men, 707 both for peace and war service, he can make any representations on the matter to the company concerned?
Mr. RUNCIMANI find that eighty-eight of the crew of the "Lapland," belonging to the International Navigation Company, were engaged on 2nd January, with the condition that they were to be transferred at New York to the ss. "Kroonland," which belongs to the International Mercantile Marine Company. I understand that interchange among the crews of the vessels belonging to these two companies, which are closely connected, is not unusual. I have, however, communicated my hon. Friend's question to the owners of the "Lapland," and am awaiting their observations on the matter.