HC Deb 08 July 1918 vol 108 cc3-4
1. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government propose to compensate the widows and orphans of the ten Irish workmen who were lost at sea by the sinking of the steamship "Fern" on 23rd April; and whether he is aware that these men were engaged by the Labour Exchange at Dublin on behalf of the British Dyes Company, Huddersfield, and that, although the facts have been brought to the notice of the company and the Board of Trade by the hon. Member for the Harbour Division, so far no compensation has been paid?

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

There is no Government, compensation scheme applicable to passengers in cases of the kind to which this question relates. I understand, however, that so far one claim under the Workmen's Compensation Act has been made to British Dyes, Limited, and is now being considered.

Mr. KING

As this matter has been hanging over a very long time, and I put off this question by request for a fortnight, can we be assured that the Board of Trade is taking steps to get these men their rights?

Sir A. STANLEY

The Board of Trade can take no steps of which I am aware. We have no jurisdiction in the matter whatever.

Mr. KING

Does not the Government exercise a great deal of authority and power over British Dyes, Limited? Is it not a Government concern?

Sir A. STANLEY

No. British Dyes, Limited, is not a Government concern. They may have a loan from the Government, but the latter have no control.

Sir E. CARSON

Have these men, or the widows of these men, the same rights as Englishmen in similar circumstances?

Sir A. STANLEY

Certainly.

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