HC Deb 09 June 1943 vol 390 cc700-1
30. Mr. Leslie

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the number of merchant seamen who have lost their lives in the service of the country during the war?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 26th February last.

Mr. Leslie

Will the Minister give me an assurance that this matter will have further consideration, in view of the very great concern among people at the risks undertaken by our merchant seamen?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I can give that assurance.

Mr. Shinwell

Why cannot we have a statement of the number of casualties sustained by the Merchant Service? Recently we had a full statement of the casualties sustained elsewhere.

Mr. Noel-Baker

With my hon. Friend's permission, I prefer not to add to my answer.

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, but can we have a reason why the hon. Gentleman prefers not to give an answer? Is it because of the public interest? Are we not to have a statement of the losses sustained by merchant seamen when we have already been given the losses sustained in other directions?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have nothing to add to my original answer.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it sufficient for a Minister to say that he has nothing to add? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes."] It may be sufficient for some hon. Members, but it is not sufficient for me. Can the Minister not give a valid reason why this information is being withheld from the public? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] What are you afraid of?

Sir A. Southby

Is it not a fact that a figure of over 16,000 has already been published in a pamphlet as the number of casualties?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, that figure has already been published, and other figures have been published also.