§ Mr. BARNESasked if the President of the Board of Trade will state what rate of pay per day is given to a seaman retained by the Board of Trade for the "Titanic" Inquiry, the seaman's rate when on ship's articles having been £5 per month; what expenses are allowed him travelling from Southampton (exclusive of railway fare); and at what points does his daily pay commence and end, and whether it is on his leaving his home and getting back thereto?
Mr. BUXTONAs I told my hon. Friend when he asked me a question last week, I was then considering whether and how far the subsistence allowance for seamen witnesses in the case of the "Titanic" ought to be increased. In view of the increased rates of wages earned since the general scale was drawn up, I have now obtained the assent of the Treasury to an increase in the scale. The new rates will be retrospective. The scale, of course, differs in amount, whether the witness is at home or away from home attending the Court. The amount an A.B. will receive while at home will be 5s. 6d. a day; and when away from home 7s. 6d. a day, for a seven-day week in each case; or at the rate of 38s. 6d. and 52s. 6d. a week respectively. I wish to remind my hon. Friend that I asked him to supply me with the particulars in regard to an alleged case of 796 a witness being forced to sleep on the embankment, and that he has not yet done so. I desire to inquire into the case, though I do not see how the incident can have been due to a deficiency in the subsistence allowance. As regards the last paragraph of the question, the subsistence allowance is calculated to cover expenses other than travelling expenses; the higher allowance would begin on the man leaving home and would continue until his return home.
§ Mr. BARNESMay I state that I can give the right hon. Gentleman particulars, and that the man's name is Rainer?
Mr. BUXTONI thought my hon. Friend would have sent me particulars, as I am anxious to consider any case of hardship, with a view to rectifying it.