HC Deb 31 January 1918 vol 101 cc1723-4
23. Mr. BIRNE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty the number of lives lost on the city of Dublin boat which was sunk on the morning of 26th January

The PARLIAMENTARI SECRETARI to the BOARD of ADMIRALTI (Dr. Macnamara)

I deeply regret to say that on the occasion referred to the lives of seven passengers and five of the crew were lost. The passengers lost consisted of five men and two women; and of the crew. two seamen, two firemen, and one stewardess, were lost.

73. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer sunk by enemy action inside the Mersey Bar lightships on the morning of 28th December last, when nine- teen Liverpool pilots and a number of pilot apprentices lost their lives, was at the time she was sunk acting as Government examination boat for the port of 'Liverpool as well as a pilot boat; and whether, in view of the fact that these men and youths lost their dives on board a Government ship by enemy action, he can state what scale of compensation and pensions will be given to their dependants and relatives?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir A. Stanley)

I am aware that the vessel referred to was acting as an examination boat at the time she was sunk. Compensation will be granted to the dependants of the pilots and pilot apprentices in accordance with the scheme, of which I am sending particulars to the hon. Member.

Mr. HOUSTON

is my right hon. Friend aware that the Liverpool pilots, by their own efforts, had created a benevolent fund, and that owing to this appalling loss of twenty-eight lives at one time, the fund has been completely depleted; and can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to urge upon the Treasury a sympathetic—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question. There is nothing on that point in his question.

Mr. HOUSTON

Very well, Sir; I will put down a question.