§ 70. Mr. STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the conclusion of the formal investigation into the stranding of the steamship "Tynemouth" the officers and engineers who were detained ashore by the Board of Trade in order to give evidence were at once put off their daily subsistence allow- 2258 ance as granted under the Board of Trade Regulations; whether these officers and engineers were in any way implicated in the stranding or parties to the case; whether through being put off this subsistence allowance they have been compelled to remain ashore for eight or ten days to await the return of their steamer, during which time they have been receiving no pay; and whether, if this is so, he will give favourable consideration to the granting of a monetary allowance to these officers and engineers, having regard to their evidence being tendered in the interests of the public?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Robertson)The first and second mates of the "Tynemouth" and the first and second engineers were necessary witnesses at the inquiry into the stranding of the vessel, and in accordance with the usual practice they were paid full subsistence allowance from the date when they were retained at witnesses as long as their attendance was necessary. They were not made parties to the proceedings. I am sorry if any inconvenience has been caused to these officers by the inquiry, but I fear it is not possible to pay further monetary allowances in these cases.