HC Deb 08 May 1912 vol 38 cc413-4
Mr. BARNES

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what arrangements have been made for the payment of seamen witnesses retained by his Department for the purposes of the "Titanic" inquiry; if they are paid per day or per week; how much per day or week; and if he has any official information as to certain of them being destitute?

Mr. BUXTON

Seamen witnesses detained by the Board of Trade for the purposes of the "Titanic" Inquiry are being paid allowances in accordance with a scale approved by the Treasury, or as near thereto as circumstances admit. The sums paid are graded by the seamen's ratings, and differ in amount according to whether the witnesses are detained at a port where they reside or elsewhere. Travelling expenses are paid in addition. The witnesses are paid by the Receiver of Wreck at the place where they may be, and can be paid by day or week, as they prefer, usually the former. I have not heard that any of the witnesses are destitute. Application has been made in certain instances for an increase of the rate of pay, and this is under consideration.

Mr. BARNES

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me in plain terms how much per day or per week these men get? Is he aware that one of the men, a greaser, who came up from Southampton last week preferred sleeping on the Embankment to going to the Sailors' Home to which he was referred by the authorities?

Mr. BUXTON

I shall be glad to have particulars of that case. The rates vary under certain conditions. If the hon. Member will give notice of another question I will give him fuller particulars.

Mr. BARNES

What is the rate of pay for these men who come up from Southampton to give evidence at the "Titanic" inquiry?

Mr. BUXTON

The rates vary under certain conditions. If the hon. Member gives me notice of another question, giving particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will give him the information.

Mr. BARNES

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the highest and the lowest rates? Can he give me any information of a definite character?

Mr. BUXTON

I would rather have notice, in order to be quite accurate.

Mr. CROOKS

Have the men to sleep on the Embankment until the Board of Trade has made up its mind?

Mr. BUXTON

The rates are on the Treasury scale; I shall be glad to give full particulars.

Mr. CROOKS

May we have them circulated to-night?