§ 70. Mr. BYRNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause inquiries to be made into the treatment of the survivors of the ship which was sunk on the morning of the 14th December, 1917; if he is aware that these men only received the sum of £7 10s. for the loss of their outfits and bedding and arc at present only receiving 25s. per week compensation, although their wages were £3 17s. 6d. per week; if he is aware that these men cannot replace their outfits for less than £30 to £40; if he will say when proper compensation will be paid to seamen; and if he will take steps to insure every seaman's life for not less than £1,000?
§ Mr. WARDLEClaims for compensation for loss of effects on this vessel referred to have been received and have been dealt with in accordance with the scheme described in the circular which I am sending to the hon. Member; £7 10s. is the maximum amount of compensation for loss of outfits for the ratings of seamen and firemen, and I am not aware that such ratings cannot replace their outfits for less than £30 to £40. I have no information regarding the payment of 25s. per week to the survivors, but if the lion. Member will furnish me with the names of the men to whom this amount is being paid, I will make inquiries in the matter. Each of these men, in accordance with arrangements made by the Board of Trade, would receive three weeks' wages from the date the. vessel was sunk. With regard to the final part of the question, I am sending the hon. Member a pamphlet describing the 989 Government Compensation Scheme for loss of life or injury which came into Operation early in 1915.