§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any claims from the Imperial Merchants Service Guild relative to compensation for officers and men of the Merchant Service for ill-health due to war service; and, if so, whether it is intended to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Board of Trade receive from time to time from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild particulars of cases of ill-health of members of the Mercantile Marine which occurred during the War. Each case is investigated with a view to seeing whether the ill-health can properly be attributed to war perils and compensation be granted under the. War Risks Compensation Scheme.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Pensions Minister what is the present allowance to the widow and to the orphans of a Mercantile Marine officer, and other members of crew, respectively, killed during the War through enemy action at sea; and whether any increase is contemplated in view of the present cost of living?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to answer this question. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a leaflet giving particulars of the pensions and allowances payable under the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine. The question of amending that scheme in view of the present cost of living is under consideration.