§ 17. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Liverpool pilots, by their own efforts and subscriptions over many years, have created an insurance and benevolent fund; whether he is aware that, owing to the loss of twenty-eight lives at one time by reason of the sinking by enemy action of the steamer which they were compelled to use as a pilot boat although she was carrying out the duties of examination and patrol boat, this fund has been depleted; and whether, in view of the national service which the Liverpool pilots have fearlessy performed during the period of the War, steps will be taken to replenish this fund from public moneys, seeing that it will not represent a greater sum than £4,000?
§ Mr. WARDLEIn the case of pilots who lose their lives through enemy action while on duty, compensation is paid to the 2240 dependants under the Government scheme. The pilot boat "Alfred H. Read" was recently sunk by enemy action, and the Liverpool and London War Risks Association inform me that they have so far awarded, under the Government scheme, widows' pensions amounting to £1,214 per annum, and children's allowances amounting to £204 per annum. The capital value of these pensions is at least £17,000. I will consider the further question of assisting the local funds.