HC Deb 29 May 1935 vol 302 cc1129-30
50. Brigadier General NATION

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to give to the House regarding the investigation he is making on the subject of the employment of aliens on British ships?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)

No, Sir; the investigations are not yet completed.

Brigadier-General NATION

Can the hon. and gallant Member say when the investigations of his Department are likely to be concluded?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot give a date, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the matter is being actively pursued.

Brigadier-General NATION

Will it be in the present Session?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I cannot say.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware of the uneasiness in all our ports about the employment of foreign seamen

Lieut.-ColonelCOLVILLE

Yes. The question is being actively examined and as soon as possible a statement will be made.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the hon. and gallant Member take care that people who belong to our Colonies and Protectorates are not vindictively treated and particularly that they are not declared to be foreigners, seeing that in fact that are not such?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

All relevant considerations such as that will be taken into account.