§ 11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the following vessels sailing from Hull to the East have carried coolie crews from February, 1922, namely, the steamships "Hindoo," "Othello," "Ariosto," "Urbino," and "Lepanto," although prior to this date they carried white men, who were largely recruited from Hull resident seamen; whether he is aware that the engagement of the men deprives many Hull seamen of employment; what is the attitude of the Board of Trade in this matter; and whether any steps can be taken to restrict the employment of Asiatic crews to vessels trading east of Suez only?
Mr. WEBBFour of the five vessels named in the question are trading regularly between India and this country, and, like other vessels employed in this trade, carry lascar crews. The employment of lascars on these particular ships commenced at various dates in 1921 and 1922. The fifth vessel is trading between India and the United States, and has an Asiatic crew not wholly composed of natives of India. There is nothing unusual or irregular in this method of manning vessels trading to India. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question would require legislation which would be controversial, and certainly could not be undertaken this Session, but the point will be borne in mind.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that careful steps are taken to prevent aliens coming in here to take the work on 2100 shore? Why should only the seamen be penalised in this matter?
§ Mr. HOPE SIMPSONAre those men or are they not citizens of the British Empire?
Mr. WEBBI was going to reply that the term "lascar" is accurately used to men who are natives of British India; consequently they would, in that sense, be citizens of the British Empire. The term is, I am afraid, somewhat loosely used; but the men on these ships are citizens of India.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the wages paid to these men are not commensurate with good citizenship at all?
Mr. WEBBThat is a question that can hardly be dealt with by the Government. I think the hon. Member will realise that that is a matter for the trade unions and the employers.
§ Mr. B. SMITHThe right hon. Gentleman has given us a definition of the word "lascar." Will he explain the meaning of "Dago"?