Volume Three - The Pontoon Era - The seamen's pay strike of 1911 . . .

The Chinese problem, in respect of their use in lieu of British seamen, had been an issue periodically at most British ports and which raised concerns of the trade unions from time to time. On occasions, the issue had been brought to the attention of Parliament as the following account from 1851-52 confirms:

MERCANTILE MARINE (CHINESE SEAMEN ).

Mr. C. DUNCAN asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that British stewards and cooks who had been working on the steamship “ Boveric " for one month, between 22nd February and 23rd March, at Cardiff and Penarth, were removed on the latter date and their places taken by Chinese by the order of the Admiralty ; that one of the men discharged was an ex-soldier, twice wounded ; and that the action taken nearly resulted in a stoppage of work at Cardiff and Penarth, which stoppage was only avoided by the efforts of the trade union officials ; and whether he will give a guarantee that in future the Admiralty will adhere to the clause in the existing agreement that Chinese crews are not to be signed on in Home ports unless a satisfactory crew of British seamen and firemen are not available in reasonable time ?

Dr. MACNAMARA : The owners of the " Boveric ” discharged the cooks and stewards because it became necessary, in the absence of a British crew, to engage Chinese seamen and firemen, which engagement was effected by the owners with the concurrence of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union and of the Admiralty. No information has reached the Admiralty regarding a probable stoppage of work on this account. I should add that prior to the 22nd February this vessel carried Chinese crew ; and, further, that the signing on in the present instance was in strict accord with the Admiralty memorandum regarding the employment of Chinese. - Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) - House of Commons - Written Answers - 1851-52. [088]