§ 39. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, how many of the British Suez Canal pilots who withdrew their labour at the commencement 1246 of the crisis have been reinstated, now that British ships are sailing through; what alternative employment has been found for the remainder; and what compensation has been given to them and their families for loss and disturbance as a result of the action they were compelled to take.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have not heard that any of these pilots have either sought or been offered employment by the Egyptian Suez Canal Authority, and I cannot say what alternative employment they may have found. These pilots were employees of the Suez Canal Company, which is responsible for any questions relating to compensation.
§ Mr. AwberyWhile expressing my appreciation for anything that has been done for the pilots, may I ask the Minister whether he will give an undertaking that these men, who carried out the instructions of the Government, will not suffer as a consequence of carrying out those instructions?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThese pilots carried out the instructions of the Suez Canal Company, and I understand that the company is doing all that it can to help those who are in need.