HC Deb 02 March 1938 vol 332 cc1082-3
12. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether, pending a settlement of claims sent to the Salamanca Government in respect of attacks on British vessels, seamen who were injured and the dependants of seamen who were killed are being compensated?

The Prime Minister

I have no information as to what payments have been made to the seamen or their dependants by or on behalf of the owners of the ships concerned, but I understand that the National Maritime Board have made arrangements for the payment of special compensation to seamen injured or to the dependants of seamen killed while employed under National Maritime Board agreements on ships trading to Spain.

Mr. Shinwell

Do I understand that the amounts to be paid by the National Maritime Board have been settled, and will they form part of any claim made by His Majesty's Government against the Salamanca Government?

The Prime Minister

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Mr. Muff

Has compensation been received for the seamen who were killed on His Majesty's Ship "Hunter"?

The Prime Minister

That is a different question.

18. Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Prime Minister how many ships of each country party to the Non-intervention Agreement have carried observers; and how many cases of ships flying the Italian flag proceeding to Spain without an observer on board have been reported to the Non intervention Committee?

Mr. Butler

I am not in a position to give the information required by the hon. Member, since it is for the Non-intervention Committee to decide whether these figures should be published.

Mr. Roberts

Will the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of the question?

Mr. Butler

I am unable to give exact information, but I understand that instances of failure to carry an observer have occurred on ships of a number of countries.

19. Mr. Roberts

asked the Prime Minister whether, in formulating any plan for the withdrawal of foreigners from Spain, he will take into consideration the fact that the intervention of technicians is now of greater importance in the Spanish war than that of infantry?

Mr. Butler

I have no doubt that the Non-intervention Committee will bear this question in mind.