§ 15. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent increases in the pay of seamen and firemen; whether these increases have been demanded on account of the War and after being declined by the shipowners, were conceded under pressure; and whether, having regard to the fact that the captains and officers of merchant ships have made no demands in this way, he will, in view of the importance of their services to the country at the present juncture and the profitable nature of the shipping trade, recommend their case to the shipowners generally for greater monetary consideration than they are at present receiving?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I am aware that increased wages are being paid to seamen and, no doubt, the conditions of war have 880 been a factor in the matter. As regards both the wages of seamen and the pay of masters and officers, the matter seems to me to be primarily one for arrangement between the parties concerned.