§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade how rates of pay, accommodation, food, and hours in the British mercantile marine compare with the Dutch marine service?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMonthly wages of able seamen and firemen on British foreign-going cargo vessels are £8 11s. and £9 1s., respectively. According to the latest available information the comparable Dutch rates, at current rates of exchange, are £10 19s. 8d. and £11 10s. 8d. Information to enable a comparison to be made regarding accommodation is not available, nor is any available about food in the Dutch marine service. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a Board of Trade Notice dealing with provisions for crews of British ships. As regards hours of labour, it is not possible to make a brief statement but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the current National Maritime Board Year Book on which are indicated references to hours of labour on British ships, and also a copy of a publication issued by the International Labour Office in 1929 which gives the latest available information regarding hours of labour in the Dutch marine service.