§ 25. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the seventeen colonial seamen from 186 Barbados who were found not guilty of refusing to sail the ss. "Senator" to Cyprus in October, 1956, have returned to Barbados and are still without employment.
§ Mr. ProfumoNine have returned to Barbados; eight are still unemployed.
§ Mr. CallaghanWill the Under-Secretary inquire into the allegation that has been specifically made to me that three of these men whom the shipping company were ready to employ on the ss. "Senator" had been refused permission to work by the shipping master, and in view of the fact that there had been previous allegations, which I have communicated to the Under-Secretary, about this shipping master, will he make detailed inquiries into the case of these three men?
§ Mr. ProfumoI have made inquiries into this general position, and I will certainly be prepared to make any specific inquiries if the hon. Gentleman will let me have direct details. I can assure him that no attempt has been made to influence the selection of those employed.