§ 1. Mr. Windsorasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of lascar seamen employed on ships of other than British nationality; and particulars of the demand of each foreign nation for such labour?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)The Government of India are collecting from the ports the information desired by the hon. Member. When it arrives, I will communicate with him.
§ 2. Mr. Windsorasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give a report on the health of lascar sea- 3 men in view of the fact that the Government of India has removed all restrictions on the employment of lascars as deck hands on vessels proceeding to the east coast of America, North of 38 degrees North latitude and the Baltic during the winter months?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe removal of the restrictions to which the hon. Member refers applies only to the limits mentioned in Sub-Clause (b) (2) of the first proviso to the Lascar Agreement; these limits do not include the Baltic. Since last September, when the restrictions were suspended, medical reports on the health of lascar seamen returning from Northern latitudes have been received only from Calcutta, no such crew having been discharged at Bombay. The reports from Calcutta, cover 11 vessels, and in no case are ill effects due to cold climates mentioned as calling for special notice. The Shipping Master at Calcutta is of the opinion that the lascars have stood the climate very well, and the Government of India consider that this opinion is justified.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the employment of lascars in Northern regions will have a detrimental effect on the employment of home seamen; is he also aware that representations to that effect have been made to the Government, and will he take the matter into consideration?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI think that is a question which should be addressed elsewhere. What the Government of India are concerned with in this matter is the health of the lascars and that is the point to which the question on the Paper refers.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut is it not the case that the Government of India have withdrawn the restriction on the employment of lascar seamen in these seas; therefore, is it not a matter for the Government of India and will not His Majesty's Government here, in view of the effect on home seamen, make representations to the Government of India?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadIt is the second point on which, as I say, questions should be addressed elsewhere. What the Government of India are concerned with is the health of these lascar seamen, and that is the point to which the Question on the Paper is directed.