§ 17. Mr. B. SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for an annual report to be issued regarding the health of merchant seamen, giving a scientific analysis of diseases in the statistics published in the Return of the Shipping Casualties to and Deaths on Vessels Registered in the United Kingdom: give information as to the total number of men serving amongst whom the deaths occurred; and, in view of the apparent absence of medical advisers in the Department, will he consider whether the health of seamen is a responsibility which might with advantage be transferred to the Ministry of Health?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will consider whether the statistics for which the hon. Member now asks can be prepared, but I would call his attention to the replies given him on 3rd March last, of which I am sending him copies.
§ Mr. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statistics now published as to the health of seamen afloat sailing under the British flag in no way reflect the actual conditions?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROn the 3rd March, when I answered the hon. Member last, I said that if he would send me particulars I would consider them.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will inquire further.