HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc687-8
38. Mr. Windsor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he has received reports from the trade union deputation recently sent to Canada and the United States of America to inquire into seamen's welfare conditions; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Colonel Llewellin

Representatives of the National Union of Seamen and the Shipping Federation recently visited the U.S.A. In co-operation with others concerned they were successful in improving arrangements for seamen's welfare where they already existed and in setting up satisfactory arrangements where they did not already exist. The cost is being met by the generosity of United States citizens to whom we are most grateful. The Canadian ports were also visited and certain recommendations were made on which we are in communication with His Majesty's Government in Canada.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend taking care to arrange for the welfare conditions in the ships that are being built, so that they may be built with better reference to those conditions than has hitherto been the case?

Colonel Llewellin

That is a different question. This Question is in reference to facilities ashore.