HC Deb 08 February 1937 vol 320 cc59-60W
Mr. Grenfell

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the application for the extension of passports held by Norwegian or Danish seamen who refused to sign at Cardiff for voyages to Spanish ports held by insurgents; and whether he will consider granting the necessary extension so that these seamen may engage on vessels bound from the Bristol Channel for neutral ports?

Mr. Lloyd

I have made inquiries and find that the alien seamen to whom the hon. Member refers made no application for permission to land for transfer to other vessels, and arrangements for their repatriation were made by the union to which they belong. The hon. Member will appreciate that in the interests of our own seamen there must be restriction on discharge of alien seamen from foreign boats with a view to their seeking engagement in other vessels.