§ 6. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Minister of Shipping whether he can make any statement concerning the arrest of Chinese seamen serving on s.s. "Ben Macgloe" and s.s. "Ben Macgloe"; what charges were made against them and what facilities were given them for preparing a defence; and will he, in order to prevent further trouble, consult with 4 those shipping firms that are not yet paying a 5 a month war-risk bonus with a view to their doing this.
§ The Minister of Shipping (Mr. Cross)Certain seamen of the "Ben Macdhui" were charged under Defence Regulation 47A with being absent without leave. These men were represented by counsel. Certain seamen of the "Ben Macgloe"were charged by the shipowners under Section 225 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, with wilfully disobeying the lawful command of the master of the vessel. Other charges under this Section were made against some of the defendants. These men were not represented at the first hearing, but some who were remanded were represented by counsel at the second hearing. As regards the last part of the Question, I have for a considerable time been in close touch with the shipping companies employing Chinese seamen as to their conditions of employment. The remuneration of Chinese seamen has been greatly increased since the war began and for seamen trading beyond Far Eastern coastal limits I am satisfied that that part of the increase which can properly be ascribed to war conditions, although it is not called war risk bonus, is more than the figure quoted by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BartlettIs it not a fact that these Chinese seamen are in difficulties mainly because they feel that they should receive a war risk bonus and that the principal company, which employs nearly half the total number of Chinese seamen, has since December paid such a bonus; and is it not time that other companies followed suit?
§ Mr. CrossI cannot agree that they found themselves in financial difficulties, because there has been an increase in remuneration which is considerable. Chinese sailors recruited in Hong Kong or Shanghai for voyages which take them beyond coastal limits now receive from £7 14s. a month to £9 14s. a month, according to the ship's trade, as compared with £1 18s. 9.d. pre-war. The whole of this increase can be ascribed to war conditions, although it is not called war risk bonus. Chinese sailors recruited in Singapore receive £ 10 15s. a month as compared with £3 15s. pre-war. Of the £ 7 increase, all but 17s. 6d. can be ascribed to war conditions.