HC Deb 22 May 1912 vol 38 cc1911-2
Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the circumstances of the disablement which resulted in the death of the late Mr. Morgan when second mate of the steamship "Glenfinlas," at Calcutta; whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter; whether the Board of Trade are in possession of written statements of members of the crew saying that they saw the alleged assault on Mr. Morgan; if so, whether he will allow Mrs. Morgan's solicitors to inspect them; and whether he will consider the granting of compensation to the widow?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to the circumstances referred to by the Noble Lord, but it is not possible for him to take any further action in the matter. The Board of Trade are not in possession of any written statements on the subject by members of the crew of the "Glenfinlas." Certain statements were made orally to one of the Board's superintendents, but as the superintendent's account was made for the confidential information of the Board my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to allow it to be inspected without the assent of the seamen. The Board have no power to grant compensation in such a case.

Lord N. CRICHTON-STUART

Do the Board of Trade therefore refuse to this woman any possible means of finding out the truth as to her husband's death?

Mr. ROBERTSON

They only refuse to the extent I have mentioned. Of course, the consent of the seamen being given would make it possible to give that information.

Lord N. CRICHTON-STUART

Is the seaman mentioned in the answer at the present moment in this country?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I cannot answer that.