§ Sir R. THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Gravesend Sea School is experiencing a shortage of applicants for training for the mercantile marine; and whether, in view of the national importance
238Wwhat were their nationalities; and whether there was an increase or decrease over previous years in the number of alien seamen so employed?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe following table gives statistics of the engagements of British and foreign seamen at Mercantile Marine offices in the United Kingdom during 1927 and preceding years. No other figures relating to employment in the British Mercantile Marine during 1927 are yet available. I will send the hon. Member a print of the detailed results secured at the count of seamen employed on 31st March. 1926.
of a sufficient supply of trained merchant seamen, he is prepared to give fuller publicity to the advantages offered by this centre?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not aware that the Gravesend Sea School is experiencing a shortage of applicants 239W for training, but if it is, I feel sure that the management committee is fully competent to take any steps that may be necessary to deal with the position.