HC Deb 14 September 1950 vol 478 c172W
Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Transport what arrangements the Government have made for compensation for seamen who may be killed or injured, or for ships which may be lost or damaged, while carrying troops or their equipment to Korea.

Mr. J. Maclay

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an assurance that, in the event of the death, injury or loss of effects of members of the crews of British merchant ships engaged in support of the United Nations' operations in Korea, compensation will be payable by the Government on the same terms and conditions as it was during the last war.

Mr. Barnes

Following on representations by the National Maritime Board the Government have agreed that the wartime schemes for compensation shall be applied in the case of crews of British ships which are employed in carrying troops or their supplies to, or in transit for, Korea, and compensation will be paid in the circumstances prescribed, and on the conditions laid down, in those schemes. Any compensation paid will be subject to adjustment for any benefit payable under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Acts.

The position as regards the ships is normally covered by insurance, but the Government have agreed that, if the insurance cover of a ship chartered on their behalf ceases to apply because of her employment in Korean waters, they will pay the sum that would otherwise have been payable by the insurers, together with an agreed sum in respect of loss of earnings in the event of total loss.