§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has arrived at any decision on the recommendation of Sir H. Acton Blake to the Chief Industrial Commissioner that seamen of the mercantile marine should receive reasonable compensation for loss of kit in the cases of vessels molested by the enemy; and if he is prepared to extend the principle to the losses of effects sustained by masters and officers of interned British ships or of vessels captured and sunk by enemy cruisers since the outbreak of war, for which there is no recompense?
Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that the recommendation referred to in the question was intended for the consideration of the parties concerned in the Liverpool inquiry, and not of His Majesty's Government. The Board of Trade are, however, prepared to give special facilities for insuring at a reasonable rate of premium the effects of masters, officers, and seamen for moderate amounts against war risks, provided that there is a prospect of those concerned availing themselves of a scheme which has this object in view. The Board are at present in communication with representatives of Associations of Masters, Officers, and Seamen upon this subject.