§ 33. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a crew of Chinese seamen were engaged at the port of Rotterdam, taken to Harwich, and afterwards to Cardiff to be signed on the British ship "Sheaf Lance"; whether permits were given to the owners of this ship to engage these men; and, if so, for what reasons, in view of the number of unemployed British seamen?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI am aware that a number of Chinese seamen were allowed to land at Harwich on 21st January for the purpose of joining the steamship "Sheaf Lance" in British waters, for which they were under contract. Nonresident alien seamen are not allowed to land for the purpose of seeking employment; but seamen under contract to sign on a ship and sail in her do not require permits from the Minister of Labour. In accordance with international custom they are allowed to land for the purpose, and if any departure were made from this rule the effect upon British seamen who join ships at foreign ports would be serious.
§ Mr. GRENFELLDoes the Minister encourage the making of contracts abroad to enable engagements to he broken in that way?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIt is not for the Home Office to encourage or discourage.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman state the difference between free trade in labour and free trade in goods.
§ Sir H. SAMUELYes, if I have the opportunity, but not at Question Time.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that facilities are offered in England to ship foreign crews and that the reverse takes place in foreign 1261 ports and our Britishers are being sent away and foreign labour put in their place?
§ Sir H. SAMUELNo. I am informed that the rule that is observed here is also observed in foreign countries in respect to this matter.