§ 32. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among fishermen with regard to recent changes in the administration of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund; and whether he will institute an inquiry into their grievances?
Sir H. YOUNGThe changes that have been made recently in the scheme governing the award of pensions by the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund have been in the direction of improving the position of fishermen, and I am not aware that they have given rise to dissatisfaction among fishermen, or that there are grievances which call for the institution of an inquiry.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the changes which have recently been made have caused dissatisfaction, and has he inquired from the governing body of the fund whether the statement contained in the question as to the existence of this grievance is well founded?
§ Sir M. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, and will he inform the House whether he exercises any supervision over the administration of this fund?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, Sir, and it is desirable that the hon. Member should communicate any complaints of which he is aware.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs my right hon. Friend aware that much too much of the money of this fund goes to the Scottish fishermen?
§ 33. Sir M. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether, with regard to the recent request for representation on the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund from a seamen's organisation not at present represented, he will state what reply has been given; and whether he will consider the advisability of amending the present scheme so as to permit of all seamen's organisations being adequately represented on the governing body?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not sure to what seamen's organisation the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question. There are no vacancies at the present time on the Governing Body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund, but if the hon. Member will let me know how he thinks that representation of the various classes of beneficiaries could be more satisfactorily secured than under the present scheme, I will see that his suggestions receive consideration.
§ Sir M. WOODI understand that the Officers' Federation made an application? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what reply has been given to their application for representation on the governing body of this fund?
§ 35. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Minister of Health whether he can place a copy of the present scheme under which the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund is being administered in the Library of the House of Commons?