HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2655-6
8. Mr. Howard Gritten

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information in regard to the excessive profits made by British shipping companies trading with Government Spain; and whether seamen receive increased rates of pay, in view of the additional risks incurred?

Mr. Stanley

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative. I am sending my hon. Friend the circulars issued by the National Maritime Board setting out the particulars of the bonus on wages of seamen on British ships visiting Spanish ports.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman also send the hon. Member the number of seamen who have been killed from Hartlepools?

Mr. Radford

Will my right hon. Friend have the information circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that it may be available to all hon. Members?

Mr. Stanley

Certainly.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is it not true that these firms are making enormous profits?

Mr. Stanley

As I said in my answer, I have no official information on that matter.