§ MR. MOODYsaid, he begged to ask the hon. Under Secretary for War the cause of the detention of the Candia, and whether demurrage was to be paid, and, if any, to what amount per day, and from what date, for such detention; also, whether any special report as to her sea-worthiness had been recently made, that the lives of those sent out in her might net be endangered? It appeared that the Candia about six weeks ago underwent some repairs, 299 in consequence of a previous report made regarding her; that then she had orders to start with troops and artillery, but that in consequence of a dispute between the military and naval authorities the latter had washed their hands of her. It was found, on trial, that the horse-boxes were too slight and narrow for the horses, and that no proper berths were left for the passengers. About a fortnight ago, after further alterations, she was sent from Blackwall, but was found too crank, and taken back again to Blackwall, where she received sixty tons of shot and shell on board. The passengers were then directed to proceed to Greenhithe, and go on board the Candia there; but when they got to Greenhithe they were sent back again to London, on the ground that it was uncertain when the vessel would sail. In these circumstances he should like to have an answer to his question.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELsaid, the detention of this vessel was caused by an opinion expressed by the officers at Woolwich, not favourable to its safety, or to its being rightly fitted up as a horse transport. The members of the Transport Board, however, inspected the vessel very carefully, and were fully satisfied that apprehensions from that cause were entirely groundless. Consequently, the vessel proceeded to sea, and the detention did not exceed four or five days. No demurrage was paid, the vessel being a hired one.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELYes.
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELThe vessel has sailed.