§ 4. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether free railway passes are granted to the officers and men of merchant transports for the purpose of taking leave; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of similar provision being made in the case of the officers of merchant vessels such as requisitioned liners and other such vessels which are engaged in work of just as much national importance?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the SHIPPING CONTROLLER (Sir L. Chiozza Money)I have been asked to reply to this question. Free passes are issued to crews of merchant ships and vessels employed on naval service and other Imperial Government service, not more than once in each six months of continuous service. These passes are granted to enable the crews of such vessels periodically to visit their homes, as the nature of the service usually keeps them away from their own ports more than in the case of vessels running in regular trades. In the case of liners the homes of the crews are usually at the ship's home port, at which the men are normally discharged. When, however, a liner is diverted by order of the Admiralty or Ministry of Shipping to some port other than the port at which the crew would ordinarily have been discharged, arrangements have been made through the Board of Trade for the issue of free passes to the latter port. The reasonable requirements of the case would seem to be fully met by these arrangements. If, however, my hon. Friend has in mind any special category for which further provision 1854 would appear to be desirable, and will let me have particulars, I shall be happy to consider it.
§ 5. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether railway facilities provided for the officers and men of British merchant ships on taking leave are given third-class tickets only; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of officers of merchant ships being given the right, should they so desire, to purchase first-class tickets at the reduced rates provided for in order that they may travel on railways in the same manner as officers of His Majesty's naval and military Forces?
Sir A. STANLEYThe special railway facilities given to officers and men of ordinary merchant ships in the way of free tickets and cheap tickets at present provide only for third-class tickets, but I will see whether it is possible to arrange for first-class tickets being issued in certain cases.