HC Deb 09 February 1915 vol 69 c393
24. Mr. STEWART

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any announcement as regards compensation being granted in the case of those captains and officers of merchant ships killed or injured through the operations of the War; and whether, if such compensation is to be granted, it will be made retrospective as from the beginning of the War?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

A scheme has been prepared by the Board of Trade and the War Risks Associations for the payment of compensation in the case of all persons employed on merchant ships insured under the War Risks Insurance Scheme who are killed or injured through war-like operations and who are not already covered by the Workmen's Compensation Act. This scheme, which I hope will be completed and put in operation very shortly, will date back to the beginning of the War.

Mr. PETO

Will the scheme include compensation for the loss of kit owing to the ship being sunk by submarine or otherwise?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not think it is intended to cover loss of kit.