§ 20. Captain BULLOCKasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of persons who have been assisted under the mercantile marine War Risks Compensation Scheme; what is the aggregate sum paid out; what is the average sum paid to each person; whether 227 the scheme has sufficient funds; and whether it is still functioning?
Mr. WEBBThe answer is rather long, and, if the hon. and gallant Member will permit me, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ There are at present, about 200 disabled men, 3,450 widows, 5,400 children and 740 other dependants in receipt of pensions and allowances under the mercantile marine War Risks Compensation Scheme, but I am unable to furnish information as to the total number of persons who have at any time been assisted under this scheme, or the average sum paid to each person. The total amount paid up to 31st December last was approximately £3,346,000. The pensions and allowances are paid from moneys voted by Parliament, the amount for the current financial year being £460,100.
§ 23. Mr. AYLESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that officers and men of the mercantile marine claiming pensions under the War Insurance Act have no right of appeal if their claims are disallowed on medical grounds, he will do what is necessary to make an appeal possible in the same circumstances as those in which appeals are now allowed to officers and men who served in the Navy, Army, or Air Force?
Mr. WEBBA special Committee advises the Board of Trade in connection with the War Risks Compensation Scheme; and, while there is no specific right of appeal to the Committee, every case in which there is any doubt as to the admissibility of a claim under the scheme, is, in fact, referred to the Committee and dealt with in accordance with their advice.