HC Deb 02 April 1917 vol 92 cc963-4W
Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade what, if any, provision is made in the case of those captains, officers, and men serving on merchant ships who die or are incapacitated through sickness or disease which may reasonably be attributed to the physical and mental strain caused by the War?

Mr. ROBERTS

If the death or illness can reasonably be attributed to war risks, compensation is paid under the Government compensation scheme for the merchant service. Each case is considered on its merits, and the scheme is administered in a generous spirit.

Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards those merchant captains, officers, and men who may be released from internment, he will give what assistance is possible in respect to their procuring suitable employment ashore for the period of the War, more especially as regards appointments under the Admiralty and Board of Trade, where their profssional seafaring experience would be of value?

Mr. ROBERTS

Any application that may be made to the Board of Trade will be sympathetically considered, and such assistance as is possible will be given in the way of procuring suitable employment. I am communicating with the Employment Exchanges on the subject.

Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to furnish the names of the Special Committee appointed for the purpose of deciding on the form of a standard uniform for the officers of the merchant service?

Mr. ROBERTS

The Committee on standard uniforms for the merchant service has just been apointed, and I am sending the hon. Gentleman the names of the members.

Mr. PETO

asked what provision, if any, is made in the case of those captains, officers, and men of merchant ships who, after being taken captive, are released and are required to give their parole, and are thus prevented from following their career at sea during the period of the War?

Mr. ROBERTS

It has not so far been found necessary to make any special provision to meet the cases to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The Board of Trade have no information that officers and seamen of the mercantile marine, who have been released by the enemy on parole, have experienced difficulty in obtaining suitable employment, but if the hon. Member has any information to this effect perhaps he will communicate with me.