§ 12. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, during the past three months, over 1,000 British seamen have been induced to break their contracts while in American waters in order to serve on American ships, whereby serious inconvenience has been caused to British shipping; will he ascertain how this was effected, having regard to the stringent immigration regulations enforced by the United States with regard to British immigrants; and what action the British Government have taken in the matter?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThere has been an increase this year in the number of desertions from British ships in 2022 America, which is normally very considerable, but it is not possible to say what was the cause in each case.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not the case that one of the reasons for the large number of desertions this year is the fact that an obnoxious agreement has been entered into between the shipowners and a particular organisation, to which the men seriously object, and they are clearing out in America, in consequence?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMENo, I do not think there is the faintest foundation for that suggestion.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the right hon. Gentleman take it from me—I know something about seamen, and he does not?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAs the person responsible for the Mercantile Marine Department, I know something about the matter too, and I repeat the statement that I have no reason to believe there is any truth in that suggestion.
§ Mr. SHINWELLrose.
§ Mr. SPEAKERSir Arthur Shirley Benn.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNIs the right hon. Gentlemen aware if any American Governments have ever refused to carry out the requests of British Consuls to arrest and put on board sailors who are on the articles of ships and who have deserted?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any reason why the desertions are taking place?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has given his own reason.