§ 60. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Minister of Health to whom has been transferred the responsibility previously borne by the Board of Trade for the administration of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund; and, if it is administered by a committee, will he state the names of the members thereof?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)The Seamen's Special Fund, now known as the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund, has not at any time been administered by the Board of Trade. Under Section 64 (2) of the National Health Insurance Act, 1924, as amended by Section 22 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1928, the Fund is administered by a governing body constituted in accordance with a scheme prepared by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee after consultation with the Board of Trade.
The governing body consists of fourteen members, seven representing shipowners and seven representing all classes of persons entitled to benefits out of the Fund. The present members of the governing body are: Mr. C. McLaren, Mr. M. Tearle, Mr. S. G. Le Touzel, Captain C. H. Holttum, Mr. D. Bramah, Mr. W. Wood and Mr. C. McVey, representing beneficiaries and Mr. F. C. Allen, Mr. M. Hill, Sir Norman Hill, Mr. C. Laws, Mr. D. Radcliffe and Mr. H. B. Gordon Warren representing shipowners (one vacancy).
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs there any representative of English fishermen serving on this committee, and, if not, will the hon. Lady and her colleague consider appointing someone to represent the English fishing industry?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThere are some representatives of the beneficiaries on the committee.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYWill the hon. Lady make inquiries as to whether there 1093 is a representative of English fishermen on the committee? We know that there are representatives of the Scottish fisheries.
§ Miss LAWRENCEI will make inquiries and communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCan the Parliamentary Secretary say when it is proposed to appoint a member to the vacant seat on the committee?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI cannot say.