§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continued dissatisfaction existing in the merchant service with the system that makes employment dependent upon membership of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union, and whether he will take steps to protect the interests of seamen who disagree with the principles of this union?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe Board of Trade is aware of the dissatisfaction alluded to in certain quarters. I understand that these difficulties are partly due to a dispute between different unions representing seamen. So long as there is no breach of the law, the Board of Trade have no power to interfere.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the Noble Lord aware that there is no dispute between the unions at all and that the dissatisfaction and victimisation which exist among the mercantile marine arise from the existence of an agreement between th Shipping Federation and the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union which the men will not accept?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI wish to intimate that I will raise this question on the first available opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment.