§ 24. Major Sir B. FALLEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that just before the Armistice two of His Majesty's ships were on convoy duty at 889 Sierra Leone to some thirty merchantmen and that the men of His Majesty's ships had to coal these merchantmen as no native labour was available owing to sickness; that the men of the Royal Navy so coaling were paid half the local rate and received 9d. for ten hours' work in addition to their pay; if it is the custom for His Majesty's ships to coal merchantmen on convoy, or if this is an isolated instance; and if fair remuneration can be granted to these men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, Sir; the facts are as stated in the earlier parts of the question. The occasion was an isolated instance due to the failure of local labour consequent on the severe epidemic of influenza. In accordance with King's Regulations, ordinary seamen can be paid extra pay at the rate of 9d. per diem, and able seamen 1s. per diem for this work. This was paid to the men at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, but in the special circumstances approval was given to pay the men 6d. per ton handled in addition.