HC Deb 27 April 1955 vol 540 c937
64. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in how many cases the repatriation of British delivery crews of colonial and foreign-purchased vessels has been undertaken by Government representatives abroad under the distressed seamen's arrangements during the past five years; and under what circumstances.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Research into the records of distressed British seamen repatriated during the last five years has failed to reveal any case of the kind described by the hon. Member.

Mr. Awbery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have information that some shipowners are selling their ships, signing on a crew and sacking them when they have got to the port where the ship is being transferred? Will he look into any details which I send him?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to send particulars to me, of course I will inquire into them.