§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of the series of disputes affecting Indian seamen concerning conditions of labour, wages, war-risk bonuses, and the employment of police under the Merchant Shipping Act to break up strikes; whether he is also aware that the crew of one of the ships charge the captain with violence and intimidation; and whether, in view of the unfortunate impression these disputes are likely to make, he will take action to secure a general improvement in the condition of Indian seamen, and an inquiry into their allegations?
§ Sir J. GilmourI am aware of the disputes mentioned by the hon. Member, but I have no information that police are being employed to break up strikes. I am aware of one case in which the members of the lascar crew have made allegations of violence against the captain, but I have received no evidence in support of the allegations.
With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question of the 24th October on this subject.