asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company are making a practice of having their vessels painted abroad by foreign labour while large numbers of ship painters in the London shipping area are unemployed; and whether he will make representations to the company as to the desirability of having this work done at home?

I am informed that most of the painting of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's ships is done in London and only a very small proportion at ports abroad.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least four ships in the last year or two have put the paint on board in London and had the painting done in China?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that fact; I have given the information as it reached me.