HC Deb 12 May 1931 vol 252 cc972-3
17. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain reductions are being made in the manning of ships sailing out of Liverpool; if he is satisfied that these reductions do not in any way affect the safety of the vessels; and if his Department will take steps to prevent any reduction of crews below the safety limit?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

Yes, Sir, but I am not aware of any case in which the crew has been reduced below the minimum required by the manning rules. In any such case the necessary steps to have the deficiency remedied would be taken.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steamship "Dryden," owned by Lamport, Holt & Company, sailed from Liverpool—[HON. MEMBERS: "Do not read it!"]—I was going to give the figures of the exact number of men—with 12 men short of the number on the previous voyage, and also that another vessel, steamship "Nasmythe," sailed from Glasgow with a reduced crew, and when she arrived in Liverpool the men asked to be paid off, because they did not consider the vessel was safe with her reduced crew? Will my right hon. Friend set up a committee to inquire into this matter?

Mr. GRAHAM

That is not necessary. My attention had not been called to the two cases, but I will make inquiries under the powers we now possess, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. REMER

Are there not thoroughly good officers to deal with this matter in Liverpool itself?

Reliable Statistics of British Emigrants from the United Kingdom for pre-war years are not available. It is probable, however, that the outward balance of British passengers from the United Kingdom to places out of Europe indicates approximately the scale of Dei emigration during those years. The following table shows the outward balances of such passengers, distinguishing male and female adults of 12 years of age and upwards, and children under 12 years of age, in each of the five years 1909 to 1913:—
Year. Total Balance Outward. Adults of 12 years and upwards. Children under 12 years of age.
Males. Females.
1909 … … … 139,693 68,360 50,948 20,385
1910 … … … 233,709 117,771 79,035 36,903
1911 … … … 261,809 124,431 89,578 47,800
1912 … … … 268,485 115,942 99,573 52,970
1913 … … … 241,997 101,554 93,003 47,440

Forward to