§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE - BRABAZONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that on the merger of the Cunard and White Star Lines surplus officers, many over 50 years of age and with 20 years' service, were given one year's pay in lieu of notice; and whether, in view of the practical impossibility of re-employment for these officers, and the fact that the Cunard White Star is being financed by public money, he will take steps to ensure a more equitable arrangement?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONThis is not a matter in which I could intervene. The merger involved a retirement of a certain amount of tonnage, and I am informed that in consequence there were a number of cases in which the Company were compelled to dispense with the services of surplus officers, but that each case was given very careful consideration with a view to minimising hardship to those concerned.