§ 5. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that early in 1924 the Research Expeditions Company, of 50, Pall Mall, London, chartered the steam yacht "St. George," lying at Dartmouth, Devon, for a cruise in research work in Australian waters; that a crew of ex-naval men were signed on by the Board of Trade at Dartmouth, and the company guaranteed the crew 12 months' wages to be paid to their wives by allotments; that these allotments were paid regularly up to the end of last year, but since then no allotments have been paid; that the aggrieved women wrote to the head office of the company and received a reply informing them that the company had no money, owing to the fact that the subscriptions and donations to the company bad not fulfilled their expectations; that these families are now without means; that their respective husbands are in Australian waters and are about to make an extended voyage instead of returning to England; and that the families of these men have had to apply for assistance to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust; and whether, in these circumstances, he will utilise what power he has to assist these women?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am informed by the owners of the vessel to which the hon. Member refers that all arrears of allotments of the wages of the crew have now been paid, and that provision has been made for all further payments.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman see that this does not happen in future, when women are cast away on charity owing to the non-fulfilment of obligations?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs the hon. and gallant Member knows, this is an exceptional case, connected with an expedition for research. I do not think it is likely to be often repeated.