HC Deb 04 May 1937 vol 323 c953
13. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what sum has been paid by the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee in the form of subsidy to owners of vessels the majority of whose crews are signed under Asiatic articles and are not employed under the conditions laid down by the National Maritime Board?

Mr. Runciman

It is estimated that the amount of subsidy paid in respect of voyages or parts of voyages carried out in 1936 on which crews were signed on under Asiatic articles is in the neighbourhood of £170,000. The hon. Member will appreciate that National Maritime Board agreements as to rates of wages do not apply to crews signed on under Asiatic articles.

Mr. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why it is that only people signed under the National Maritime Board are receiving the subsidy?

Mr. Runciman

Where that is applicable, of course, it is true.