HC Deb 28 March 1939 vol 345 cc1869-70
19. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the high incidence of tuberculosis among seamen, as revealed in the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Anti-Tuberculosis Service in Wales and the view expressed therein that this high rate is due to the unsatisfactory accommodation of seamen on ship and on shore; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem?

Mr. Stanley

I have seen the paragraph in the report which I believe the hon. Member has in mind. The views expressed in it take into account other factors in addition to accommodation on board ship, and are based on statistics for the years 1924 to 1935. All aspects of crew accommodation were reviewed in 1937 by the Board of Trade in consultation with the other interests concerned, and as a result new Crew Space Instructions were issued by the Board. The condition of the accommodation for seamen on shore is a matter for the local authority concerned, and questions in regard to this should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, unless they arise in connection with a seaman's lodging house which has been approved under by-laws confirmed by the Board of Trade under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Medical Officer of Health for Cardiff, who gave this evidence, was convinced that this disease was largely due to the accommodation in ships, and will he call for a special report and make a special investigation?

Mr. Stanley

Hon. Gentlemen are aware that a great deal has been done in recent years with regard to accommodation, and a satisfactory standard has been laid down for all new ships. With regard to the question of an inquiry, a special inquiry was carried out in 1929 by the Ministry of Health and the Board of Trade. The result was to confirm the fact that tuberculosis is not particularly prevalent among seamen.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to the cases where the crew's accommodation is in such a position that ventilation is impossible owing to the crew having to sleep below water level?