30. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Shipping whether steps are being taken to man the guns of merchant vessels when in our ports by naval ratings and not by the customarily overworked ship's personnel?
§ Mr. CrossYes, Sir. This is being done as far as possible. There is one naval gunlayer on each ship, and a second gun-layer is provided where possible, but my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty informs me that the demands on the Royal Navy at the present time make it impossible for him to provide complete guns' crews for merchant ships in port.
§ Commander MarsdenIs it not the case that the present arrangements made with the consent of all parties on the national Maritime Board in the Tyne area have been most loyally and efficiently carried out?
§ Mr. CrossI am extremely grateful to the hon. Member for mentioning that and I recognise the fine work done by the crews in manning their guns.
Mr. AdamsWill the Minister call for the opinion of masters of vessels as to the effect on ships personnel of excessive hours of labour?
§ Mr. CrossI have obtained very full information on the point and I do not think they are excessive hours of 17 work. I have made the best arrangements possible in the circumstances and no man is called upon to work the guns two nights in succession. If it should occur that they have to man the guns on successive nights substantial payment would be made.