§ 76. Mr. GOULDasked the Prime Minister if, seeing that the dependants of merchant seamen who have lost their lives through exposure to weather, climate, or specially arduous service due to war conditions, are not treated in the same manner, in respect of pensions, as men in the same Service and the sister Service who have been killed as a result of enemy action, he can take steps to rectify this?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. If the death can reasonably be attributed to war risks, even though not due to direct enemy action, compensation is paid under the Government Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine. Each case is considered on its merits, and the scheme is administered in a generous spirit.