§ Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union has withdrawn its representatives from the com- 547W mittee of management of the Seamen's National Insurance Society; and, if so, upon what grounds; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONI have received a copy of a resolution passed by the executive council of the union referred to, intimating that in view of the appointment of a representative of the British Seafarer's Union on the committee of management of the Seaman's National Insurance Society, the union would not take a part in the management of the society. I regret this decision, which seems to have been arrived at on very insufficient grounds, in view of the fact that two members of the committee have been appointed on the nomination of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union. I should hope that on reconsideration the union will not maintain the attitude indicated in the resolution. Meantime I do not propose to take any steps beyond communicating with the committee of management.
§ Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union, with 75,000 members, has become an approved society under the National Insurance Act; and whether, in order to facilitate arrangements which have been made for those seamen who have applied to become members of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union Approved Society, he will give facilities for a representative of the union being present at the Mercantile Marine office or on board ship at the time of discharge of the crews of foreign-going ships for the purpose of the collection of their cards?
Mr. BUXTONI fear it is impracticable to give the facilities suggested, especially in view of the fact that there are other approved societies which admit seamen, and which would claim equal privileges. I will, however, consider whether there are any other means by which the wishes of the union could be met.
§ Mr. M'GHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a scheme for the constitution of the Seamen's National Insurance Society has been put in circulation; whether it provides for the appointment of seven representatives of the various classes of masters, seamen, and apprentices who are or may be members of the society as nearly as possible in proportion to their respective numbers; and whether, seeing that only two representatives were appointed to represent sailors 548W and firemen, who constitute the greater proportion of the seafaring class, he will reconstitute the committee so as to ensure the proper representation of the various classes of seamen?
Mr. BUXTONThe scheme provided for in Sub-section (5) of Section 48 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, was approved by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee on 3rd July. It provides for the appointment of seven representatives of members of the society in the manner suggested. Three representatives, and not two, as stated in the question, were appointed to represent sailors and firemen, which appears to be as fair a representation as circumstances permit.