§ 3. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information about the seamen's club at Liverpool; how many hours the club will be open each day; whether the club will be open to all the seamen that arrive in Liverpool; who is to control the club; who has paid for furnishing the club; and whether it is the intention of the Seamen's Welfare Centre to open other clubs in other big seaport towns?
§ Mr. BevinThe Ocean Club, Liverpool, which opened on 31st October, 1942, was set up by the Liverpool Seamen's Welfare Centre and is under its control. The Liverpool Seamen's Welfare Centre was established with the agreement of the Liverpool Port Welfare Committee, and its funds are derived from voluntary contributions, mainly from shipowners, together with a grant from the Exchequer. The club is open continuously day and night to all members of the British Merchant Navy and of the Merchant Navies of all foreign States with which His Majesty is not at war. Merchant Navy clubs of similar type managed by the National Service; Hostels Corporation Limited have been, or are being, set up in other ports in accordance with the advice of the Seamen's Welfare Board.
§ Mr. ThorneThank you very much for that information.