HC Deb 30 June 1954 vol 529 cc1347-9
37. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what measures are taken to ensure that men of the Merchant Navy who undertake service in vessels in Far Eastern waters receive due warning and notification when such vessels are used to carry bombs and war materials as cargo.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No special measures are necessary, because the Master and officers of the ship are aware of the nature of the cargo to be carried. The Master is required by the law to see that the cargo is stowed safely, and my Department has issued rules about the carriage of explosives and other dangerous goods. I have received no complaint that these rules are not being complied with.

Mr. Irvine

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that vessels are chartered by French companies to carry American war material, which includes fragmentation bombs and detonators, to Indo-China? Would it not be reasonable to permit British merchant seamen the opportunity of contracting out of serving in vessels carrying such traffic, having regard to the risks both to them and to their dependants?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is not unlawful for British shipowners to carry arms to the French in Indo-China, and I do not think that we should serve our wider interests by attempting to persuade them not to do so. Regarding the dangers to officers and men conveying goods to ports, such as Hanoi and Haiphong, where there may be the risk of incidents, that possible hazard has been recognised by the National Maritime Board, who have agreed that a 50 per cent. bonus be paid under conditions similar to those operating during the Korean trouble.

Mr. Irvine

Will the Minister give further consideration to the possibility of giving these men the opportunity of contracting out of the service where these conditions apply, with the necessity that sufficient notification should be given?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I will certainly look at that again, but my experience of British merchant seamen is that they would give me a pretty dusty answer if I asked them if they wished to contract out of anything.

Mr. Callaghan

Before the Minister undertakes too lightly to consider this, will he remember that the men's unions have these problems very much in mind and are quite capable of raising them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could raise that at one of his own party's harmonious consultations.

Mr. Irvine

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.