Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Shipping whether he will consider for compensation the case of Gilbert Francis Jones, late of the Blue Star Line, Merchant Service Book No. 760145, who claims that all his wages have been taken for hospital expenses after sustaining injuries whilst on service at sea?
§ Mr. CrossMr. G. F. Jones while a member of the crew of a British ship received injuries while ashore at San Francisco. He rejoined the ship, but as a result of the injuries had to be discharged to hospital at San Pedro on 22nd February where the hospital expenses were incurred. As the injury was sustained ashore and not in the ship's service the shipowners were not liable, under the provisions of Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, for the cost of his medical treatment. The man was taken in charge as a distressed British seaman and was required to contribute so far as was possible to the cost of his treatment, which substantially exceeded the amount of the wages due to him.