§ 23. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to propose legislation for a contributory pension scheme for officers of the royal mercantile marine; and will he state the nature of the proposed scheme?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe answer is in the negative, but proposals for a voluntary scheme are under discussion by certain of the interests concerned.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Officers Merchant Navy Federation has prepared a contributory pension scheme, and, in the event of it being acceptable, will the Board of Trade assist in its administration by arranging for the deduction of the contributions at source?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, that is one of the bodies interested in a voluntary scheme. I should like to add that if they formed a sound voluntary scheme the Board would have great pleasure in giving it such encouragement as was within their power.