HC Deb 30 January 1940 vol 356 cc966-7
40. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Minister of Shipping what societies are organising the provision of comforts for men serving in the Merchant Navy?

Sir A. Salter

A number of societies are engaged in the supply of comforts for men in the Merchant Navy, amongst which I might mention the Missions to Seamen, the British Sailors' Society and the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. The British Ship Adoption Society is also collecting and distributing parcels of all kinds to ships and has already established a large number of centres at which woollen comforts are being knitted for seamen. I understand from the Secretary of the King George's Fund for Sailors that at almost every port there is some local society or organisation catering for the comfort and welfare of merchant seamen. I am publishing a fuller statement with the addresses.

Sir H. Williams

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Mercantile Marine seamen, on whose efforts we are so dependent, are not as yet receiving quite that measure of assistance which other branches of His Majesty's Forces receive?

Sir A. Salter

If that is so, it is certainly highly regrettable, and we are doing everything we can to make up any deficiency. I hope the announcement which I have said we shall make will to a certain extent reassure the hon. Member.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Could not a free issue be given to these men? I am told that captains come ashore and report that they cannot buy jerseys and other woollen comforts, and that the men are suffering intensely from the cold.

Sir A. Salter

I was not aware that that has happened on any considerable scale. There are organisations in all ports, and I should be glad to consult with the hon. Member as to whether he can add in any way to the announcement we are making.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is my hon. Friend aware that the London Port Welfare Society supply comforts to the seamen of the Mercantile Marine through their Mercantile Marine Comforts Fund? I have made inquiries as to what organisations exist for this purpose at other ports in this country, and I should be glad if my hon. Friend would give me information about them. Is he aware that the seamen of the Mercantile Marine are at the bottom of the ladder with regard to warm comforts, and that, in fact, they are very much forgotten?

Sir A. Salter

I entirely agree as to the importance of this question, and I hope that the list we are issuing will be Of assistance in the matter.

Mr. R. Gibson

Will the list also deal with the Royal Naval Reserve?