§ 33. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the case of an English ship sailing from Canada to South Africa, under British officers, in which there were in the crew one Swiss, one Swede, one Greek, and 14 Germans; and whether he will take steps to enforce a greater proportion of British seamen in the mercantile marine?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Herbert Williams)My attention has not been called to the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The proportion of foreigners in the British mercantile marine has diminished considerably during the last 20 years and shows no sign of increasing. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the figures which were circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 28th February last, showing the position in this respect in 1913, and in each of the last five years. In the circumstances it is not proposed to take any action in the matter.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the hon. Gentleman explain the terms in this question—"an English ship under British officers"?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSI did not draft the question.
§ Mr. MACLEANHow are you to understand how to reply to it?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSQuite easily.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman inform the House why a British-owned ship is manned by German seamen?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSThe existing Acts only require, I think, that the master and mate shall he British subjects.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman say whether or not this is inconsistent with the Government's general policy——