§ 2. Mr. STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether shipmasters and officers of the mercantile marine, when travelling to and from their homes, may only claim pre-war rates when travelling third class; if go, whether he can extend a similar privilege to all those who may find it more convenient to travel first class; and whether any reduction has been granted in regard to fares to merchant seamen returning to see their families when they are, by the exigencies of war, landed away from their homo ports?
Sir A. STANLEYWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Devizes on 10th July, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. As regards the second part of the question, arrangements are in operation enabling seamen discharged to travel to their homes at the old fares without the 50 per cent. increase, and, where a ship has been diverted from her ordinary discharge port by naval or transport authorities, the men are enabled to travel free.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that extend to British seamen and stewards on board the American line boats which are taken from Southampton to Liverpool, or only to British ships?
Sir A. STANLEYPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that question. I should be inclined to think it will.