HC Deb 17 November 1937 vol 329 cc410-1W
Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain why bedding and eating utensils are not supplied to crews of the Royal Fleet auxiliaries?

Mr. Shakespeare

The crews of Royal Fleet Auxiliaries normally employed in attendance on the Fleet are, generally speaking, provided with bedding and eating utensils. The equipment of the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries employed in freighting oil fuel is similar to that of comparable vessels in the Merchant Service; and, as bedding is supplied to crews by certain commercial tanker owners, a partial supply has been provided in the six new vessels recently acquired by the Admiralty. The further provision of bedding in the vessels of this class now awaits a decision by the National Maritime Board who have the subject under consideration. Following the general practice in the Merchant Navy, eating utensils are not supplied to the crews of Admiralty freighting tankers.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why white ratings were recently discharged from the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries "Bishopdale," "War Afridi," and "Abbeydale"; and why were Chinese seamen engaged to replace them?

Mr. Shakespeare

Sickness was experienced among the British crews of "War Afridi" and "Abbeydale," and they were relieved by Chinese crews and repatriated with their own consent and on agreed terms. As the "Bishopdale" was to be employed in the tropics on the same service, the Master asked for approval to relieve his British crew and this course was approved by the Admiralty. The usual Merchant Shipping practice was followed in all these cases. As British crews are unwilling to serve with Asiatics, it has been necessary in the past on several previous occasions to repatriate British crews and engage Chinese in lieu. The consent of the British crews has always been obtained.

Mr. J. Hall

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is responsible for the direction and control of the Royal Fleet auxiliaries?

Mr. Shakespeare

The Director of Stores is responsible to the Board of Admiralty for the direction and control of the Royal Fleet auxiliaries.