§ 14. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that seamen practically never insure their effects and are consequently liable to a serious loss in the event of shipwreck, he will consider the inauguration of a general insurance scheme whereby this risk will be universally covered by shipowners and the appropriate amount of compensation paid in all cases to officers and men in the merchant service?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEWhat my hon. Friend suggests is in effect a compulsory compensation or indemnity scheme, and would require legislation, which I do not think it would be practicable to introduce at the present time.
§ Mr. PETOWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that the cost to the shipowners of such an insurance would be trivial if distributed over all ships?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have often thought that there is a great deal to be said for a general scheme of insurance of this kind, but this is a very difficult time in which to introduce such a scheme.
§ Mr. PETOWill the right hon. Gentleman explore the avenues of negotiation with the shipping companies before he contemplates legislation in this respect?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEBefore I contemplate any legislation I explore all avenues.