HC Deb 03 March 1931 vol 249 cc178-9
19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the finding of the Board of Trade inquiry on the master of the steamship "Highland Hope" for the wreck of that vessel on 19th November last, in which attention was called to the age of this gentleman and strictures passed on the owners for employing him at over the age of 70 years; if he is aware that there are a number of masters in command of British ships whose age makes it desirable that they should retire, but that owing to the absence of any pension or superannuation scheme in many companies they are not able to retire for financial reasons; and whether any progress is being made in the adoption of a general pension scheme for the Royal Mercantile Marine?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information as to the second part. For the rest, I am not aware that any proposals are at present under consideration for a special pension scheme for the mercantile marine apart from the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund with which I am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend is acquainted.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

With regard to the last part of my question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the shipping companies and of the officers are in agreement as regards a pensions scheme, but a minority hold out; and will he look into the question again?

Mr. GRAHAM

It may be as the hon. and gallant Member suggests, but, plainly, if there were any question of compelling a minority to come into a scheme, that could not be done without legislation, and I am not in a position at the moment to make any promise in that respect.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by his answer he gave the impression that he did not know of these facts; and will he look into the question again with a view to legislation?

Mr. GRAHAM

I trust that I did not convey an impression of that kind. As a matter of fact, I was familiar with the questions put by my hon. and gallant Friend in the last Parliament.