§ 47. Mr. STEWARTasked the Prime Minister whether the officers and men of 1956 a steamer recently sunk by torpedo were landed at Lerwick and had to seek the assistance of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society before they could get away and return home; and whether the Government will consider the possibility of making arrangements that such officers and men should be cared for by some Government Department and not left to the good offices of any charitable body?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As I think my hon. Friend is now aware, this matter is receiving the immediate attention of the Admiralty in conjunction with the other Departments concerned.
§ Mr. STEWARTIn view of the objection of seamen to being treated as objects of charity, may I show the right hon. Gentleman a letter I have received from the Mercantile Marine Service Association?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly. I fully agree on the point that every consideration ought to be shown to men cast ashore under those circumstances.
Mr. C. WASONIs he aware that the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society take pride in doing this work, and can do this work very much better than any Government Department?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThey have certainly done very valuable work, for which we ought to be grateful.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware this particular ship was under charter to the Admiralty at the time it was torpedoed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say offhand. I repeat it is, of course, our duty, somebody's duty, ours primarily, to see that these men are properly treated under those circumstances.
§ Mr. WINGIt would be a great mistake to regard the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society in the ordinary sense as a charitable society. It would be a reflection on a great and beneficent organisation for the welfare of shipwrecked sailors.