§ 78. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of shipowners who have agreed to pay full wages during the period they have been interned in enemy countries, and the proportion of officers who will be so provided for; and whether he can say what the Government intend to do in other cases for which no provision has been made by the shipowners?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)Eighteen shipowners have, up to the present, informed the Board of Trade that they are paying full wages to all officers and members of their crews interned in enemy countries. It is not possible to state what proportion of interned officers will be so provided for. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on this subject on 24th October.
§ Mr. PETOAm I to infer, therefore, that the Government do not propose to do anything more than merely ask shipowners whether they are prepared to make any provision or not?
§ Mr. WARDLENo, my hon. Friend is not entitled to infer that.