§ 8. Mr. HAYESasked the President of the Board of Trade the death rate in the mercantile marine service during the past five years; and whether the figures refer to occupied and retired merchant seamen or to occupied merchant seamen only?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe percentage death rate among the first crews of the British merchant vessels which engaged in trading at some time during the years specified was: in 1919, 0.87; in 1920, 0.64; in 1921, 0.56; in 1922, 0.62; and in 1923, 0.59. These figures do not include retired merchant seamen; and later information is not at present available.
§ Mr. HAYESIn view of the fact that these figures are not now published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," will the right hon. Gentleman consider resuming what was the practice until a few years ago?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. I am afraid I was not aware of that, but I will have the suggestion brought to the attention of the Minister of Labour.