HC Deb 03 July 1941 vol 372 c1528W
Sir R. Tasker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why so small a sum has been offered to the master and crew of a vessel of whose name he has been informed, for salving this vessel; and why the award should be regarded as ex gratia payment by the Government, when the conditions of salvage were comparable with that which existed when the ''San Demetrio'' was salved?

Colonel Llewellin

The award to which my hon. Friend refers was not a salvage award but an award made by the Government, as War Risks Underwriters, in recognition of meritorious service in saving the vessel. Awards of this kind bear no relation to salvage awards and leave any person who has a claim to salvage to proceed with such a claim if he desires.