§ 58. Mr. CURRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate has been made of the extent to which the contributory funds of societies of merchant seamen have been depleted by the payment of claims in respect of seamen killed by the enemy; and whether the Treasury has agreed to recognise such in whole or part as a national burden in respect that the men so killed were engaged on national service?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. So far as I am aware, no estimate of the kind referred to has been made, and there has been no decision to contribute to such funds; but the hon. Member will be aware that under the Government War Risks Compensation Scheme pensions are paid to the widows and dependants of merchant officers and seamen who lose their lives through enemy action.