§ 50. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Health the total amount credited to the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund during the year 1932 out of contributions paid under the National Health and Unemployment Insurance Acts, showing in particular the amount paid by owners of fishing vessels, either exactly or as an approximate percentage of the whole sum?
Sir H. YOUNGDuring the year 1932 the amount of £75,700 was credited to 2129 the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund out of contributions paid under the National Health and Unemployment Insurance Acts. I regret that no information is available as to what portion of this amount was paid by owners of fishing vessels.
§ 51. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Health the number of pensions granted each year by the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund from the date upon which the National Health Insurance Act, 1928, came into operation, distinguishing between seamen and fishermen?
Sir H. YOUNGI am informed by the Governing Body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund that the number of pensions awarded out of the fund in 1929 was 1,995, of which 932 were granted to fishermen. In 1930, 1,233 pensions were awarded, 403 being granted to fishermen, while in 1931, 1,468 pensions were awarded, 415 being to fishermen. In 1932, out of a total of 800 awards, the number granted to fishermen was 221.
§ Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is misleading to give figures for the last five years instead of for the whole period during which this scheme has been in operation?
Sir H. YOUNGThese are the figures for which I was asked. I am quite prepared to give any further figures which the hon. Member desires.
§ 52. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the National Health Insurance Act, 1924, specially empowers the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund to give preference in the award of pensions to masters and seamen having long sea-service in foreign-going ships; and what steps are taken by his Department to ensure that these objects are fulfilled?
Sir H. YOUNGThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, under the scheme for the administration of benefits out of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund, which has been approved by the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Labour and the National Health Insurance Joint Committee, special provision is made to give pre- 2130 ference to masters and seamen who have served in foreign-going ships over those who hake served in other ships.