§ 14. Mr. MARKHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are being taken to prevent employment of foreign officers and men in British ships; and whether he will consider holding a public inquiry into the conditions of employment in the merchant navy with special reference to manning?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, contains provisions regulating the employment of aliens in British merchant ships. It is, also, the declared policy of the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee that British crews should be employed wherever practicable on vessels receiving subsidy. There already exist appropriate methods of discussing conditions of employment in the Mercantile Marine, and I consider a public inquiry unnecessary. The question of manning, from the point of view of safety, has recently been considered by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, and the Department's proposed 1506 instructions based upon those recommendations are now before that committee.
§ Mr. MARKHAMCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the proposed instructions will be available?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I cannot name a date, but very shortly.