HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc941-2W
Sir A. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of making public the rates at which disability and dependants' pensions will be payable to officers and men of the mercantile marine as a result of injury or death arising out of, and in the course of employment in time of war?

Mr. Cross

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 20th June, stating that it is not proposed to publish details of schemes of compensation until legislation is introduced.

Sir A. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government's scheme for war insurance of merchant shipping will make provision for reimbursing owners the cost of paying officers and men full pay from the day on which a ship is lost till they reach their home port; and what payments of this nature will be made in the case of ships on Government charter?

Mr. Cross

No, Sir. It is not proposed that the British Shipping War Risks Reinsurance Scheme shall include provision for reimbursing owners of the cost of any wages they may be under obligation to pay to the crews of ships that are lost. I understand that it is usual for shipowners to cover this contingency with mutual insurance associations.

In the case of ships lost on Government charter, the position would depend on the terms of the Charter party, but if they are such that the liability for war risks is taken by the Government as charterers, steps would be taken to ensure that the persons concerned were at least in as good a position as if the ships were in their owners' service.