§ 1. Mr. BENJAMIN SMITHasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is able to indicate the terms of the lascar agreements prepared by the Indian Government and signed under the Government's supervision; and what organisations representative of the lascars have been consulted in connection with the drafting of such agreements?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the form of lascar agreement used for voyages to this country. In addition to the compulsory stipulations contained in this form, the Government of India have approved certain voluntary stipulations which may be entered into by mutual consent. Three other forms of lascar agreement are in use. There are at present no copies of these available for distribution in this country, but I will ask the Government of India to forward a supply. I have no information regarding the second part of the question, but will inquire.
§ Mr. SMITHCould the hon. Gentleman tell us with whom these mutual arrangements are made—who are the responsible authorities that make the arrangements as to the wages of lascar seamen?
§ Mr. BUTLERI have made inquiries on that point, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.