Mr. BECKETTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that during the recent strike at Swatow of seamen employed on British ships, communications across the harbour were maintained by His Majesty's ships utilising launches placed at their disposal by a private firm; and whether he will issue instructions that British ships in foreign ports should not interfere in local industrial disputes?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANHis Majesty's Ship "Bluebell," which was stationed at Swatow in July last for the protection of British lives and property, found her own motor boat unable to cope with the local tides, and therefore obtained some boats on loan from a private firm. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the troubles at Swatow were not limited to a strike of Chinese seamen; the town itself was in a very disturbed condition, and an attempt was made to impose a boycott on all British and Japanese residents, all supply of food to them being forbidden. Under these circumstances it would be the duty of His Majesty's ships to take all necessary steps for the protection of British residents, and to give any assistance which might be required in the distribution of necessaries.