§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of disputes among Indian seamen on the steamship "Barrister" and the steamship "Oxfordshire"; on what terms the dispute in the steamship "Barrister" was settled and whether any action is being taken respecting the dispute in the steamship "Oxfordshire"; and whether he will take the initiative in securing an improvement in the conditions of work, hours of labour, pay and war risks bonus for all Indian seamen in British ships?
1206Wemployed for over 18 months before the 1st of September, be guaranteed continuation of employment on the conclusion of hostilities subject to their work and conduct being satisfactory?
§ Sir K. WoodThe rates of pay received by the employes referred to are as follow:
§ Sir J. GilmourI am informed that the dispute with the Lascar crew of the "Barrister" has been settled by the grant of an increase in wages. The crew of the "Oxfordshire" have made other additional demands which the owners are, I understand, not prepared to concede in full.
Lascars are employed on special agreements made as directed by the Government of India under the provisions of Section 125 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. This Section gives to that Government and not to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom power to impose conditions in connection with the employment of Lascars.