§ 10. Mr. G. HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that on 1st September last four Maltese were signed on at Malta for the R.F.A. "War Diwan"; that upon reaching Devonport on 14th January they were discharged with the remainder of the British crew but were allowed to work by the vessel until 6th February; that they were then offered repatriation to Malta by the R.F.A. "Bacchus," provided they paid their own fares from Devonport to Chatham and also for their food from Chatham to Malta; that, as they were practically destitute, the cost of their fares to Chatham was advanced by the Plymouth representative of the National Union of Seamen; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter and at the same time make provision for repayment to the National Union of Seamen of the £4 17s. advanced for fares?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)I am informed that the statements in the first three parts of the question are correct. These men, who had been signed on to replace English seamen, landed sick, were paid their full wages at National Maritime Board rates, and were signed off at Devonport in accordance with the terms of their engagement, which provided for their discharge in the United Kingdom. No further obligation rested 1101 on the Admiralty, but as an act of grace they were offered passage home in the "Bacchus" from Chatham. They could well afford to pay their railway fare from the full wages received, and the union will no doubt be able to recover from them the sum advanced. Although the Admiralty have no responsibility in the matter, consideration is being given to the possibility of preventing a similar occurrence in future.