§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of Board of Trade whether he can state how many Chinamen were engaged on British ships at the mercantile marine office at Poplar during the years ended 31st December, 1909, and 31st December, 1910, respectively, distinguishing those who signed agreements at the mercantile marine office from those who signed on board ship?
Mr. BUXTONThe number of Chinese seamen engaged at the mercantile marine office, Poplar, for British ships during the year ending 31st December, 1909, was 1,624, of whom 361 were engaged on board ship. The number for the year ending 31st December, 1910, was 1,204, of whom 150 were engaged on board. The numbers of Chinamen engaged at Poplar is no indication of the number sailing from London, crews being largely engaged there for vessels at other ports. Out of the numbers given above, 911 Chinese were so engaged in 1909 and 761 in 1910.