§ 9. Mr. Loganasked the President of the Board of Trade how many lascars were employed in the British Mercantile Marine in the last full year for which figures are available?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The census of seamen employed on 15th June, 1937, shows that 43,900 lascars were then recorded as employed on sea-trading vessels registered at ports in the United Kingdom. Taking account, however, of vessels which were in employment at some time during 1937, but not on the censal date, the total of lascars so employed during the year 1937 was 48,700.
§ Mr. StanleyI could not say. I have given what information I have on the subject.
§ Mr. E. J. WilliamsWill this have a prejudicial effect on British seamen's employment?
§ Mr. StanleyThat is a difficult question. There are divided views on the whole problem. The majority of these men are employed under conditions which would not be suitable for British seamen.
§ 10. Mr. Loganasked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships employing lascars received a share of the recent tramp-shipping subsidy?
§ Mr. StanleyI regret that the information is not available.