HC Deb 04 April 1935 vol 300 cc525-6
40. Mr. LOGAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the Shipping Subsidy Committee that, British nationals should be given preference in employment in shipping, and that at Cardiff on Monday 1st April, about 1,000 application forms for naturalisation had been given to foreign seamen; and can he make a statement?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware that, in conformity with the views expressed on all sides of the House during the Debates on the British Shipping (Assistance) Bill, the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee consider that owners wishing to qualify for the tramp shipping subsidy should employ British subjects as crews wherever possible. As regards the remainder of the question I have seen statements in the Press as to the issue to foreign seamen of application forms for naturalisation. Any question. about naturalisation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Mr. LOGAN

In view of the circulation of this statement in the Press and the leaflet which I have sent to the right hon. Gentleman, is it not possible to make a survey of the various shipping centres in the country, and to verify whether such literature has been sent out all over the country so as to give an opportunity to foreign sailors to be naturalized?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have nothing to do with naturalisation papers. That is a matter which does not fall within my purview, but I will mention it to the Home Secretary

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that seamen are signed on through the shipping offices in every case; and can he say whether it is not the practice in certain places to employ people to find crews and that they generally find foreign crews?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

They must all sign on, either in the mercantile marine offices, or elsewhere.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Does "wherever possible" mean that no foreign seaman will be signed on while there is a single British seaman on the register of unemployed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

A statement of that kind is just the kind of thing I wish to avoid. In some climates and on some routes it is impossible.