HC Deb 25 November 1931 vol 260 cc398-9
39. Mr. LOGAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is 'aware that the steamship "Teiresias" sailed from Birkenhead on 25th July, 1931, and on 4th September, 1931, at Shanghai, discharged five British seamen at £9 10s. per month and engaged five Chinamen at £4 10s. per month in their places; that the five British seamen, characters and ability very good, were sent home on the steamship "Laomedon" on 5th September, 1931, and landed in Birkenhead on 25th October, 1931, and that these men are now unemployed; and what action does he intend to take to protect British seamen on British ships from being displaced by foreign labour?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Five ratings in the stewards' department of the steamship "Teiresias" were discharged at Shanghai on 4th September, 1931, and were engaged on the steamship "Laomedon" on the 5th September at unaltered monthly rates of pay, namely, £9 10s., £8 Ss., £5, and in two cases £3. These men were discharged on the completion of the voyage of the last-mentioned ship at Birkenhead on the 25th October, having received very good reports for ability and general conduct from the masters of both ships. I have no information as to whether these men are now unemployed, nor as to the engagement of Chinese stewards at £4 10s. per month in their places on the "Teiresias."

Mr. LOGAN

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to take up with the shipping company the facts I have narrated, which are absolutely verified?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I hope the hon. Member realises that the Board of Trade has no power in the matter.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Did the hon. Gentleman make any inquiry from the shipping company to see whether the facts stated in the question were true, and, if true, will he make representations to them that it is not in the interests of British workmen that this should be done?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My right hon. Friend stated yesterday that he would do everything in his power to secure that British employment has preference over foreign employment. Beyond making that statement I cannot go any further.

Mr. BUCHANAN

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give someone else a chance.