§ 2. Dr. SPEROasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on 14th November, 1923, the body of a British seaman, William Henry Dixey, a member of the crew of the Blue Star Line s.s. "Viking Star," was found in the docks at Antwerp, and that he was buried as an unknown man although the Belgium police found on the body identity papers; that neither His Majesty's Consul-General in Antwerp nor the Blue Star Line, Limited, took any action in the matter and did not even inform the deceased man's parents of their son's death; and will he institute full inquiries as to the cause of this man's death?
Mr. WEBBThe answer is somewhat long, and perhaps the hon. Member will 225 allow me to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. Owing to the seaman's address being unknown either to the Registrar-General of Seamen or to the shipowners, and as efforts to trace the relatives were unsuccessful, it was not possible to notify the parents of their son's death until an inquiry was received from the father. It is understood that the authorities at Antwerp held an inquiry, and a report of this is being obtained. Every assistance will be given to the father to secure the proper identification of the grave, and all particulars now in the possession of the Department will be furnished to him if he will call at the Mercantile Marine Department, 3, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, Westminster.