asked the Minister of Labour what were the rates of the pay of able-bodied seamen, cooks and stewards on ocean-going liners on the week previous to the strike.

The rates vary according to length of service and other circumstances. The monthly consolidated basic rates after five years' service for able seamen holding an A.B.'s certificate and assistant stewards are £59 7s. 6d. and £57 2s. 6d. respectively. For cooks on cargo liners (excluding those with accommodation for six or more passengers) and general trading vessels after five years' service, rates range from £57 15s. od. for an assistant cook to £72 for a ship's cook, according to occupational classification and to classification of the ship's complement. The above mentioned rates include compensatory payments for week-end work.Centrally determined rates of pay were not laid down for chefs, specialist cooks, confectioners or pastry cooks.