§ 42. Mr. BENJAMIN SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of British nationals employed on the steamship "Helena Margareta," owned by the Euxine Shipping Company; whether the officers and crew are being paid wages in accordance with the National Maritime Board rates; how much subsidy has been paid to this company in respect of this, or any other, of their vessels; and what was the date of the last Board of Trade survey of the steamship "Helena, Margareta"?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe crew of the steamship "Helena Margareta" when engaged at Rotterdam on 27th August, 1935, consisted of aliens of various nationalities, with the exception of a British wireless operator. The agreement did not provide for the payment of National Maritime Board scales of pay. No subsidy has been paid to the Euxine Shipping Company in respect of this or any other of their vessels. The ship was measured for tonnage purposes by Board of Trade surveyors in August and December last. A load line certificate was issued on behalf of the Board by Lloyd's Register after survey in August last.
§ Mr. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman keep an eye on ships registered in this country which use every possible means of avoiding paying trade union rates and employ foreign seamen?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf they sign on in the ports of this country we have much more control over them than if they sign on elsewhere. We try to encourage that as much as we can.