§ 42. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he is aware that it was found impossible to obtain a white British crew for a steamer which recently sailed from Cardiff; and if, in view of the effect of this upon British merchant shipping, he proposes to taken any action in the matter?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is, I regret to say, not infrequently necessary to utilise men other than white British seamen to complete the crews of British ships. The fact that white British crews are not always available for British ships is largely due to the extensive employment by British shipowners of foreign seamen prior to the War. The question of the 1920 adequacy of the supply of British seamen has been receiving the close attention of the Ministry. A test scheme was recently initiated in London of training youths with a view solely to their suitability for immediate employment in merchant shipping. This shows signs of complete success, and when it is clearly established, no time will be lost in extending it to other ports. This training takes about two months. Steps are also being taken to obtain the services of seamen employed ashore who are prepared to go to sea again. The registration of seamen now in progress has already resulted in a number of such men coming forward for employment. An employment organisation is also being set up which will facilitate the transfer of available men to the ports at which they are required.