HC Deb 21 March 1932 vol 263 cc698-9
61. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Chinese crew of the "Sheaf Lance," which was recently signed on at Cardiff, were asked to submit to a language test; and whether he will state how many of them were unable to speak or to understand the English language?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. HoreBelisha)

The Chinese crew engaged in January for the "Sheaf Lance" were subjected to a language test, and each man was found to have a sufficient knowledge of the English language to understand the necessary orders which might be given to him in the course of his duties.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say where the language test was applied? These men were picked up at Rotterdam and brought to Barry. Was the language test applied at Barry?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

In, the English port.

Mr. GRENFELL

Would the hon. Member be surprised to hear that there is no record of it?

Mr. LOGAN

Can the hon. Member say whether it was the language of the second officer which was known by the men? When is the Board of Trade going to take a, stand for British seamen on board British ships instead of Chinese?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I can give the hon. Member no information on the first part of his question. As regards the second part, he must be aware of the reactions on British seamen of taking that step?