HC Deb 10 November 1942 vol 383 cc2267-8
76. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can give any explanation as to why the administrative offices of the Ministry of War Transport in Alexandria were evacuated towards the end of June of this year; and whether any survivors from merchant vessels arrived at the offices but could not obtain assistance owing to the absence of the principal officials?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The staff re-arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers did not affect the position of survivors from shipwreck, since the proper authority at Alexandria for providing for the needs of shipwrecked seamen is His Majesty's Consul-General, who, with his staff, remained at Alexandria throughout the summer.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my hon. Friend aware that when these survivors from certain merchant vessels arrived at Alexandria they could not find anyone to deal with their special case, and had then to proceed to Cairo?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I cannot understand why they could find no one, because the Consul-General was there with all his staff.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not true that there was only one person present at that time?

Mr. Noel-Baker

No, it is not at all true.