HC Deb 09 April 1941 vol 370 cc1582-3W
Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of labour disputes in British ports affecting Chinese, many of them being British subjects, both in respect of war risk bonus, apart from wages, and also the treatment of their effects; whether he is aware that many of them are unable financially to afford replacement of destroyed effects; and whether he has had, or will have, inquiry made into their grievances and the methods employed to deport them?

Mr. Cross

As regards war risk bonus I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on this subject. Compensation is payable by the Government if the loss of effects is due to enemy action—where the loss is due to other causes it is, I understand, the normal practice for shipowners to give compensation. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.