SHIPPING CONTROL. (Hansard, 14 February 1940)

§ 39. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher
asked the Minister of Shipping whether merchant ships built under the Government scheme and transferred to the control of his Ministry will be managed by him as regards conditions of service of officers and men employed in the ships?

§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (Sir Arthur Salter)
The ships will be managed by shipowners on behalf of my right hon. Friend, and 745 the managers will be required to pay the rates of wages and to comply with the conditions established by the National Maritime Board.

§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcher
May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it does not follow from that reply that the Ministry of Shipping may not only be in control of such ships, but that it will have no power to alter unsatisfactory conditions of officers and men serving in these ships.

§ Sir A. Salter
Most of the ships that we requisition are chartered on conditions which leave the owners responsible for obtaining and paying the crew, but we are, of course, in constant consultation with owners and with the unions as to the conditions of employment and any difficulties that there may be in regard to the supply of men.

§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcher
In view of the importance of this Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment.

§ 40. Miss Wilkinson
asked the Minister of Shipping whether, in order to secure the greater safety of crews under present conditions, he will insist on a motor life-boat being included in the equipment of ships at present being built?

§ Sir A. Salter
It is proposed to include a motor-boat in the equipment of ships now being built on Government account in all suitable cases, and owners of ships building on private account are being recommended to make similar provision.

§ Miss Wilkinson
May I ask if the word "suitable" indicates a certain level of tonnage or are motor-boats included with smaller boats?

§ Sir A. Salter
In general it means they are being included in all ships of a fairly large type and not, as a general rule, in small coastal craft.

§ Miss Wilkinson
But the Minister no doubt realises how much hardship and suffering as well as loss of life are caused by men drifting about the North Sea in boats which have only oars. Small motors could be included in small life-boats and small ships. Can the hon. Gentleman press that the word "suitable" shall include the small ships?

§ Sir A. Salter
I said it was in small craft in coastwise work that they were not being included. I did not say the North Sea. I will discuss with the technical people as to the inclusion of these boats in all reasonably suitable classes of vessels.