HC Deb 19 December 1955 vol 547 cc250-1W
81. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will take steps to define more clearly his powers relating to the making of special provision for dependants of seamen lost at sea; and, in view of their present inadequacy, if he will take steps to seek an extension of those powers.

Mr. Peake

The special arrangements to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 7th November and which I understand the hon. and learned Member has in mind are administrative. They ensure close cooperation between all concerned and their general aim is to attend to the immediate needs of those in want and to speed the settlement of claims to benefit. I am not aware that they are inadequate in any respect.