HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1521-2
25. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the annual report of the Tyne Port Health Authority for 1937, in which it is stated that the inspection of vessels revealed 1,691 defects calling for remedy; that many of these defects were concerned with heating, doors, floors, bunks, lavatories, dampness due to leaking decks, ports, skylights, and decklights, the presence of dirt, vermin, litter, discarded bedding, and the need of painting; and whether, in view of the fact that many of these defects remain unremedied, he will take such steps as will ensure a stricter adherence to principles of comfort and hygiene?

Mr. Stanley

I have seen this report. The port health authorities have full powers under the Public Health Acts to require the abatement, or themselves to abate on ships within their districts insanitary conditions or other nuisances injurious to health. The duty of seeing that crew's quarters are kept in a fit condition falls primarily upon the master as representative of the owner, and in this connection I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 30 of the Crew Space Instructions of 1937, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that a joint committee set up by the Shipping Federation and the National Union of Seamen is at present considering methods of improving the standard of comfort and cleanliness in crews' accommodation, and also that close co-operation is maintained between officers of port health authorities and Board of Trade surveyors.

Mr. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman take notice that according to this report less than half the defects have been remedied? That being so, I presume that the port authorities are not doing their job effectually, and will the Minister undertake to call their attention to the fact that these ships have not been put into proper condition?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, I will certainly inquire into it. We should like to cooperate with the port authorities to the fullest extent, and help them to use their powers to rectify these matters.