HC Deb 05 January 1894 vol 20 cc922-3
MR. J. BURNS (Battersea)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of long-voyage ships whose provisions have been examined during the past year, and the number of rejections by the Food Inspectors?

MR. MUNDELLA

The Act was brought into practical operation on duly 10 last. Betwixt that date and December 31 the number of ships whoso provisions were inspected was 1,015, and stores of different kinds were rejected on board 391 ships.

MR. J. BURNS

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of cases in which the water of the ships was found to be unsatisfactory?

MR. MUNDELLA

No; but, I will inquire as to that. This question refers only to the stores. I believe that in every case the water was required to be satisfactory, and was made satisfactory. The Act is working very smoothly and very well. Shipowners are not giving us any trouble. On the contrary, they rather welcome the operation of the Act.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

What kind of stores were rejected?

MR. MUNDELLA

Every description of stores—biscuit, beef, pork, and other articles.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

But what were the kinds of stores rejected?

MR. MUNDELLA

Every kind.