§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the proportion of British seamen to foreign seamen in the mercantile marine for the year 1354W 1935–36 and for each of the past five years?
§ Dr. BURGINThe number of seamen employed on British ships is ascertained only when a census of seamen is taken, and the latest information relates to 15th June, 1935. The proportion of British and foreign seamen (other than lascars) to the total number of seamen recorded as employed on the censal date in 1930 to 1935 on sea-trading vessels registered at ports in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands was as follows:
Date of Census. British Seamen, excluding Lascars. Foreign Seamen, excluding Lascars. Per cent. Per cent. 31st March, 1930 65.5 7.4 26th April, 1931 64.4 6.6 15th June, 1932 65.8 5.4 15th June, 1933 65.9 5.2 15th June, 1934 66.4 5.1 15th June, 1935 67.6 4.2 The remainder were lascars (Asiatics and East Africans employed under agreements for natives of Asia or East Africa, which open and terminate in Asia) the great majority being British.