Captain BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to the employment of Chinese seamen on British ships; and is it the practice in any British lines to embark double crews in Chinese ports with a view to manning ships in British ports?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe engagement of Chinese seamen on British ships is governed by Section 5 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, which provides that proof of nationality must be produced and that the men must not be engaged at less than the standard rates of pay. If the engagement takes place within home trade limits, the seamen must also pass the language test. No reports have reached the Board of Trade as to the shipment of double crews.