34. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements exist in his Department for the study and prevention of unhealthy conditions of the Mercantile Marine; whether any medical officers of his Department are charged with this special responsibility; and to what extent consultation with the Ministry of Health on these matters is a practice of the Mercantile Marine section of his office?
Mr. StanleyThere are three medical officers attached to the survey staff, and close contact is maintained with the Ministry of Health and the port sanitary authorities. Questions relating to the general health of the Mercantile Marine are dealt with by an inter-departmental committee of Board of Trade and Ministry of Health representatives. The plans of ships built in this country are examined and any necessary steps taken to ensure that the crew's accommodation conforms to the present standards of hygiene and comfort. Provisions as to the maintenance of the accommodation are included 174 in the Instructions to Surveyors on this subject, which have recently been revised and will shortly be issued. In addition Board of Trade surveyors take every opportunity to inspect the crew's accommodation on ships in service.
Mr. Creech JonesDo I understand that medical officers are attached to the Mercantile Marine section, and do they study preventive measures in connection with the construction of boats and so on?
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithWould reference to some of the medical officers' reports with regard to the accommodation on these ships modify the right hon. Gentleman's opinion?
Mr. StanleyI think the hon. Member had better see the instructions, and if he has any comment to make on them, I shall be glad to hear from him.