HC Deb 08 July 1935 vol 304 cc88-9

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

6.46 p.m.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has been able to get over the difficulty which has been experienced by seamen who serve on a ship registered in the Irish Free State, who live in this country, and who, therefore, fall between two stools? If the ship were registered in this country and the men lived here, all would be well, but if the ship is registered in the Irish Free State no contributions are payable in respect of them. I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has inserted something in a Schedule, but we want to be assured that he has been able to satisfy the representations of the approved societies which cover these men.

Sir K. WOOD

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that that matter has been dealt with in an Amendment which I shall move later to Schedule 1. It is a matter of reciprocal arrangements with the Irish Free State, and I understand that an approved society which is concerned with seamen is satisfied that the suggested Amendment will deal with the matter. I am hoping that when this Bill becomes an Act of Parliament we shall be able to remove a large number of the difficulties that exist at the present time.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 10 ordered to stand part of the Bill.