HC Deb 20 May 1946 vol 423 cc23-4W
125. Sir B. Neven-Spence

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the British crew were paid off the " Cedardale "; what was the nationality of the crew which replaced them; and whether employment has been found for all the former crew of the " Cedardale."

Mr, Dugdale

R.F.A. " Cedardale ' returned to the United Kingdom in February, 1946, having exchanged her Lascar crew for the British crew of R.F.A. " Wave King " who had requested to be relieved after 12 months' service in the Pacific. After re-fit she was manned by a Chinese crew due for repatriation. With the exception of two members of the catering staff, who were retained until the new crew joined the ship, the returning British crew were paid off on arrival on termination of their agreement. On expiration of their paid leave, they automatically entered the Merchant Navy Reserve Pool and became available for allocation to other ships. Seventeen are now at sea, 12 have been released from the Pool at their own request on termination of war service and II are in receipt of Reserve Pool pay while awaiting allocation.