§ 107. Mrs. Braddockasked the Minister of Transport how many colonials in Liverpool are registered as seamen un-established and established, respectively; to what extent arrangements have been made with the shipping federation that a rota of employment is worked; if he is aware that some colonials with good discharges have not had a trip for up to 15 months, and that the method of selection is having a disturbing effect on the colonial seamen; and if he will investigate this matter.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Shipping Federation inform me that last week 80 established and 381 unestablished coloured seamen 133W regarded as suitable for employment were registered at their Liverpool office. The selection of crews is a matter for the industry, but I understand that preference is always given to the established seamen when vacancies occur. It is true that there are some unestablished seamen who have not been employed for 15 months, but owing to the general situation in the Liverpool area the Ministry of Labour have the utmost difficulty in placing these men in alternative shore employment.