HC Deb 21 May 1940 vol 361 c14
27. Mr. James Hall

asked the Minister of Shipping what arrangements are made to give assistance to members of the Mercantile Marine who become stranded in this country as a result of enemy action; and whether anything can be done to minimise delay in providing wrecked seamen with discharge books to enable them to continue their means of livelihood?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (Sir Arthur Salter)

With regard to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on this subject by the Minister of Health to the hon. Members for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) and the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor) on 1st and 29th February, respectively. As to the second part, arrangements have been made to ensure that when a Discharge Book is not immediately available at the time of discharge a temporary certificate of discharge will be provided.