If any question arises as to what return port a seaman is to be sent in any case or as to the route by which he should be sent, that question shall be decided by the Indian consular officer concerned, and in deciding any question under this provision the Indian consular officer shall have regard both to the convenience of the seaman and to the expense involved, and also, where that is the case, to the fact that an Indian ship which is in want of men to make up its complement is about to proceed to a proper return port.