§ 31. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the steps which the Government have taken to indemnify shipowners against loss owing to war risks and enable them to keep their ships at sea during the War, he can and will take steps to secure to the masters, officers, and engineers of the merchant service some increased remuneration commensurate with the personal risk involved in war time, and some provision for the wives and families of those officers who may lose their lives owing to casualties due to the state of war?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Government scheme with regard to war risks is one of insurance—not indemnity. A scheme is being prepared to secure the payment of a prescribed allowance to the dependants of officers and crews of captured British vessels. Particulars of this scheme will, I hope, be made known very shortly.