§ 75. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the-President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that masters of ships are charging the members of their crews as much as 2s. 6d. for 50 cigarettes, 7s. 6d. per lb. for hard tobacco, and 12s. per lb. for soft tobacco, and that these prices are over 100 per cent. more than is paid for these articles, he being allowed to take 1269 them out of bond duty free; and will he say what inquiry he has made into this matter and what action, if any, he proposes to take to bring to end this extortion from a body of workpeople?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have received complaints as to the prices charged for tobacco and cigarettes to members of the crew on board ship. The Board of Trade have been in communication with the Customs and find that there is no power to control the prices charged on board ship. Any action taken, therefore, must be voluntary action on the part of shipowners and shipmasters, and the Board of Trade will place it before the associations of shipowners and shipmasters and officers for their consideration.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware the men complain that the shipmasters are getting enough out of this to pay for their own wines and cigars? Can he not consider the matter from that point of view?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have said I am taking steps to place this matter before the associations of shipowners and shipmasters and officers.