HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 c1925
48. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many offices of the British Council for work among merchant seamen were in operation during each of the last 10 years and what staffs they carried; what are the corresponding figures as to offices and staff at the last convenient date; what reductions have been made and are planned to be made in the immediate future; and what sum of money he estimates will be saved in this way.

Mr. Eden

Since the reply is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Before the war no work was carried out by the Council among merchant seamen from overseas. During the war years work among allied merchant seamen was done by the Council through offices in London, Brixham (covering Plymouth), Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Elsewhere part-time officers gave assistance in smaller ports. It is not possible to give the precise number of staff employed during the war on this work, as the majority of officers were also carrying out other duties.

After the war, work among overseas merchant seamen was continued at offices in Liverpool, Newcastle and Hull, and only very limited assistance could be given elsewhere.

Overseas merchant seamen will continue to be welcomed at Council offices, but no specific activities will thenceforth be arranged on their behalf.

This involves a reduction of six persons hitherto employed on this work with a resulting saving of £2,500.