§ Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer "Wyneric," of Glasgow, has been missing since 10th May, 1913, with a crew of thirty-nine, of whom thirty were Chinese; whether he can state if the Chinese passed the language test imposed by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906; whether those claiming to be British subjects were required to furnish documentary evidence of their place of birth; whether he can state if the Chinese were tested as to their efficiency as seamen; how many produced continuous discharge books; and whether he can ascertain from the owners of the ship how much compensation has been paid to the relatives of the "deceased Chinese?
Mr. ROBERTSONAn official inquiry into the loss of this vessel will be opened to-morrow, and my right hon. Friend would prefer not to make any statement at present on the questions raised by my hon. Friend.