§ 42. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that goods supplied duty-free for use on board some British ships are sold to the members of the crew at charges which include the duty, and that the prices are fixed at the discretion of the ship's master; if he will take steps to ensure that the duty is not charged to the crews under such circumstances and that the prices for cigarettes, matches, sweets, soap, etc., on all British-owned vessels will in future be controlled; and if he will arrange for a list of these prices to be posted in all shipping offices.
§ Mr. BarnesThe arrangements for the provision and sale of tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, etc., are the responsibility of the owners or masters and have already been the subject of discussion by the National Maritime Board, on which the officers' and seamen's organisations, as well as shipowners, are fully represented. As a result, owners were asked to instruct masters that the prices to be charged to the crew should only include a reasonable margin over cost price to cover insurance, wastage, and a small profit. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with details of any excessive charges, I will arrange for inquiries to be made.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that on different ships different prices are charged for the same commodity?
§ Mr. BarnesIt is very difficult to deal with the general problem. If my hon. Friend will submit any evidence I will make special inquiries.
§ Mr. JannerHas the Minister any opportunity at all of investigating these prices from time to time? Are they submitted to him? Is he aware that there is considerable agitation amongst crews in respect of the prices charged, particularly for tobacco and cigarettes?
§ Mr. BarnesAs I have indicated in my reply, this is really a matter for the National Martime Board, of which the officers' and men's organisations are a part. If the matter is not resolved to their satisfaction views can always be conveyed to me.