§ Mr. WASONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware that several Liverpool shipowners are ignoring the decisions of the Controller of Shipping with respect to paying overtime and subsistence money; and what steps are proposed to be taken in order to enforce his awards?
§ Colonel LESLIE WILSONIt is the case that some Liverpool shipowners are not adhering to the standard rates and conditions laid down for the Mercantile Marine particularly with respect to the payment of overtime and subsistence money. The Controller has no power to enforce such decisions where, as appears to be the case in this instance, the employés are willing to accept the conditions proposed by the owners. I may say that my right hon. Friend and I both take very opportunity of urging shipowners and the representatives of officers and men of the Mercantile Marine strictly to adhere to the decisions of the National Maritime Board in the interests of all the parties concerned, and so avoid the encouragement of an agitation by unconstitutional methods.