§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of seamen employed in the mercantile marine; the number of Asiatic seamen employed, irrespective of engagement in the United Kingdom; particulars of nationality of Asiatic seamen; the conditions under which they are engaged; and the comparative rates paid to British and Asiatic seamen.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSThe total number of seamen employed on 31st March, 1927, in sea-going vessels (except yachts and fishing vessels) registered in the United Kingdom, was 200,525, and of this number 52,062 were "lascars," that is, Asiatics or East Africans serving under
Rating. European standard rates. Bombay Lascars. Calcutta Lascars. Chinese on Asiatic Agreements. £ s. d. Rupees. Sterling Equivalent. Rupees Sterling Equivalent. Dollars. Sterling Equivalent. Quartermaster (or Lascar sea-cunny) 9 10 0 60 90/- 55 82/6 — — Sailor 9 0 0 30–32 45/- to 48/- 25 37/6 28 65/4 Greaser (Lascar Paniwallah) 10 0 0 35–44 52/6 to 66/- 26 39/- 34 79/4 Fireman 9 10 0 27–30 40/6 to 45/- 23 34/6 31–34½. 72/4 to 79/6 Assistant Steward or General Servant 8 5 0 34–50 51/- to 75/- 34 51/- 28 65/4