HC Deb 21 June 1939 vol 348 cc2232-3
71. Mr. Beechman

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps will be taken to co-ordinate the relief to be provided by the Admiralty and the Lord Mayor of London's Fund to dependants of victims of the "Thetis" disaster?

Mr. Shakespeare

The Royal Navy will be adequately represented by active service senior officers on the council which is being set up by the Lord Mayor of London to administer this fund, and a close liaison between the Mansion House and the Admiralty has already been established. The firms who lost men in the disaster will also be represented on the council, and steps have been taken by the Lord Mayor, after consultation with the Admiralty, to secure the adequate representation of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, as the largest charity dealing with Naval ratings, of the Royal Naval Officers' Charities, and of the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.

Mr. Buchanan

In view of the fact that certain trade unions have members who are affected by this, will not the hon. Gentleman consider having a representative from the trade unions concerned?

Mr. Shakespeare

I think that is primarily a matter for the Lord Mayor himself.

Mr. Buchanan

Will not the hon. Gentleman make representations to that effect?

Mr. Shakespeare

I think the Lord Mayor will follow the best course in dealing with this matter.