HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 c1260
42. Mr. White

asked the Minister of Health whether His Majesty's Government accept responsibility for the immediate necessities required by shipwrecked men and women landed on our coasts as the result of enemy action?

Mr. Elliot

Any medical treatment which such persons may require will be provided at the cost of the Exchequer through the Emergency Medical Service. The responsibility for seeing that such necessities as clothing, food and shelter are provided will rest in the first instance with the county or county borough council of the area in which the shipwrecked persons are landed, but they may in practice be provided from other sources. In the great majority of cases expenditure so incurred by local authorities will be recoverable out of public funds.

Mr. White

Has the right hon. Gentleman received reports as to the way in which the work has been carried out?

Mr. Elliot

Oh, yes, reports have been received.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the shipwrecked men of the "Athenia," musicians, some of his own constituents, have made claims months and months ago and are still awaiting results? Cannot he take steps to see that something is done in this matter?

Mr. Elliot

I am obliged to the hon. Member for bringing the matter to my notice.