HC Deb 10 May 1900 vol 82 cc1247-8
MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the outbreak of scurvy on the British sailing ship "Beacon Rock," of Glasgow, whilst on a voyage from London to San Francisco in 1899; whether he is aware that Enoch Oleman, one of the sailors, was put into hospital at San Francisco suffering from the malady, and that the crew allege as the cause of the scurvy that the beef, flour, and water supplied to them were unfit for human consumption; whether he can explain why Enoch Oleman did not receive his wages due to him up to the time of his discharge at San Francisco; and whether he is aware that the scale of provisions supplied to the men is the same as was issued in 1850.

MR. RITCHIE

No, Sir; I have no information with regard to an outbreak of scurvy on the "Beacon Rock." The Consul General at San Francisco has been asked for a report upon all the points referred to in the question. It is only right that I should add that the owners inform me that no outbreak of scurvy occurred at all, that Oleman was suffering not from scurvy, but from asthma, bronchitis, and general debility, and that his wages were paid, as required by law in such cases, to the Consul. I have been furnished with documents in support of these statements. I am further informed that (though the old scale of provisions was on the articles) it was in fact largely supplemented, and that the crow made no complaints during the voyage.

MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

Is it not the duty of Her Majesty's Consuls to report all such cases to the Board of Trade immediately a man is left in hospital?

MR. RITCHIE

I do not understand what the hon. Member means by "all such cases." It is denied that scurvy broke out among the crew.

MR. HAVELOCK WILSON

Is it not the fact that the Board of Trade issue a book of instructions to Consuls, in which they are directed in cases of sickness to make reports to the Board of Trade? I want to know whether the right hon. Gentleman has received such a report from the Consul in regard to the sickness of this man, and, if not, why not?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

[No answer was returned.]