§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the answer of 21 April, concerning the Asian nationals in the crew of the "Uganda", Official Report, c. 111, whether they will be eligible for compensation or a pension if they are wounded or killed while the vessel is operating as a hospital ship; whether their position has been discussed with their respective Governments and what response was received; and why, in view of the high rate of unemployment in the United Kingdom, British seamen were not recruited for this task.
§ Mr. BlakerAgreements with the Indian National Maritime Board cover the payment of enhanced death and disability compensation in circumstances such as now exist in the case of the "Uganda". The standard benefits for widows and dependants would also apply in these circumstances. The arrangements for crewing the "Uganda", which is carrying a higher proportion of British crew than is normally the case, were agreed by the ship owners with the unions concerned.