§ Mr. Thorntonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Governor of Hong Kong has exercised his powers of control over the system of engaging seamen under Part III and Section 114 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1953.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe traditional method of recruiting through agents is favoured by the majority of both seamen and shipowners, and enforcement of the law is difficult because local custom cannot readily be changed. Despite these difficulties, however, the Hong Kong Government is doing all it can to get the practice of direct recruitment of seamen extended.