§ 5. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what progress has been made as regards improving the homes for lascar seamen in London and other ports in this country; whether any result has come from the conference of shipowners called by his Department some months ago; and can he make any statement on the subject?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe shipping companies concerned have undertaken to send lascars only to homes approved by the India Office at ports in the United Kingdom where such homes exist. The Strangers' Home for Asiatics in London and the Sailors' Home at Glasgow have, after full inquiries, been approved for this purpose. When these homes are full their superintendents will arrange for the provision of other accommodation at homes which they have found to be satisfactory. At Cardiff arrangements have been made for the periodical inspection of a privately owned boarding-house on behalf of the India Office, and for its recognition so long as the inspection reports are satisfactory. No need has been found for making arrangements of the kind at other ports.
§ Captain Viscount CURZONDoes that also apply to the case of the Arabs?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India is only concerned with the arrangements for Indian Nationals. These arrangements are partly the outcome of an inspection made by myself about six months ago. What is being done in the case of Arab seamen I do not know, as they come under the jurisdiction of the Colonial Office.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHas any objection been taken to the housing of lascars in sailors' homes which are occupied by white seamen?
§ Earl WINTERTONAll these homes are more or less exclusively set apart for the reception of Asiatics, certainly in London, and I believe in the case of the other two, but I would like notice of that question.