HC Deb 23 October 1918 vol 110 cc806-7W
Mr. BYRNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade when compensation will be paid to the dependants of those poisoned on the steamship "War Cypress" at North Wall, Dublin, six months' ago?

Sir LEO CHIOZZA MONEY

I have been asked to reply. The inquiry into this lamentable calamity promised by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade has taken place, and the result is to establish that there was no negligence on the part of those responsible for working the ship and no blame attaching to anyone. The occurrence was, therefore, pure accident, and the claim of the dependants of the men who unfortunately lost their lives must be dealt with on this basis and in accordance with the provision of the Workmen's Compensation Act. I am advised that their claim lies in the first instance against the firm of stevedores by whom the men were employed. I understand that some technical difficulties have arisen which have delayed the matter, but the Ministry of Shipping will do their utmost to ensure that a prompt and equitable settlement is arrived at.