§ 15. Mr. ALBERYasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the unemployment amongst British seamen, whether His Majesty's Government will consider legislation restricting employment on British ships to British subjects?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhile I am anxious to secure the greatest possible amount of employment for British seamen, I am, afraid that the course suggested would not necessarily help in this direction.
§ Mr. ALBERYWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to consider partial restriction and is he aware that foreign nationals are employed on British ships?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt depends to some extent, of course, on the trade on which the vessel is employed. We do not wish to disturb, for instance, the employment of Asiatics in tropical climates.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentle man not aware that in Barry Docks a British crew were discharged and a body of Chinese put on board a British vessel?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could only answer that question after having had notice.