HC Deb 15 November 1932 vol 270 cc924-5
6. Mr. LOGAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any information as regards the safety of the crew of 16 British officers and engineers and 60 Chinese from the Merseyside on the steamship "Phemius," belonging to Messrs. Alfred Holt and Company, Liverpool?

Dr. BURGIN

I am informed by the owners that the "Phemius" arrived at Kingston, Jamaica, on the 12th November and that, so far as they are aware, the crew are well.

Mr. LOGAN

In view of the number of sea accidents, is it possible for the Board of Trade to make representations to British shipowners to carry British crews, seeing that only last week we had another accident with a Chinese crew on board?

Dr. BURGIN

I will certainly look into the matter.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the statement in the question correct—16 officers and 60 Chinese on board one ship? Were they passengers, or were they the crew? I would like an answer, because this is a serious business. They say "Buy British," and they should employ British, not Chinese. They would employ monkeys.