HC Deb 10 June 1942 vol 380 c1077W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many Chinese seamen are serving in the British Mercantile Marine at the present time; how many have lost their lives during the war; what are their rates of pay; and what arrangements have been made to provide pensions for the dependants of those who lose their lives in the service of this country?

Mr. Noel-Baker

About 10,000 Chinese seamen are employed on British oceangoing ships and the remuneration paid to a seaman or fireman is approximately £17 a month, including war risk money. A special bonus is also paid on the renewal of each yearly contract. The number that are known to have lost their lives owing to enemy action is 583. Others are known to be missing. Arrangements had been made for compensation to be paid to dependants through the Hong Kong and Straits Settlements Governments, but these arrangements are now impossible. The Ministry of Pensions, my Department and the Chinese Embassy, are now discussing the matter.