HC Deb 13 April 1921 vol 140 c1124W
Mr. WILKIE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty intend to recognize the services rendered by salvage parties of dockyard workmen in the earlier stages of the War prior to the issuing of the Order C. Sec. P. L. 1550/17/318; in what manner the £4,610 awarded to the Admiralty for the salvage of the ss. "Valacia" at Plymouth has been distributed, and who determined the method of distribution; and whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to recognize the services of the dockyard workmen employed in the salvage of the ss. "Valacia" at Plymouth on the 2nd of April, 1917, and following days, especially in view of the fact that the workmen were employed under dangerous conditions and in very inclement weather, and that salvage money has been paid to the naval officers and men, and officers and men of the tugs involved in the salvage of this vessel, although their services would have been of no use but for the work done on the damaged vessel by the workmen from the dockyard 'employed thereon under the above conditions?

Mr. AMERY

With regard to the first part of the question, the services rendered by salvage parties have been recognized, although it has not been possible in all cases to supplement the special rates of remuneration by shares in salvage awards. As regards the rest of the question, the Admiralty authorized a claim by all those who took part in the salvage operations of the ss. "Valacia." Investigations are being made whether the work performed by the dockyard salvage party can properly be regarded as part of the salvage operation, and when these are completed I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

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