HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 c269W
55. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet considered the complaint which the Singapore-Malay seamen have sent to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, a copy of which is in his possession, to the effect that European-operated shipping companies are using Malay seamen as sweated labour, and asking for an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the wages and conditions of Malay seamen and officers as compared with Europeans in that area.

Mr. Hopkinson

My right hon. Friend has received from the United Nations only an undocumented complaint on this subject from an unnamed organisation in Singapore. Pay for seamen and officers recruited in Singapore is determined by qualification, regardless of race, whether for employment in foreign-going, home trade, or coasting vessels.

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