§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask the President of the Board 48 of Trade whether he is aware that two seamen of the ss. "Bohemian," named Logan and Christopher Duffy, were admitted to Boston Hospital, U.S.A., in January last, suffering, as they alleged; from ill-treatment received during the voyage; that both men have since died; and that the deceased man Duffy made a sworn declaration concerning the ill-treatment before Mr. F. E. Blunt, British Consul in Boston, or to the hospital authorities and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances attending the death of these two men.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)I am informed that the seaman Logan died on board the "Bohemian" on the 4th January last. The ship's doctor certified that his death was due to natural causes. On the arrival of the vessel at Liverpool statements were made to the effect that he had been ill treated by two of the engineers. By direction of the Board of Trade, an inquiry was held by the Liverpool Local Marine Board, who found that the charges were not proved. No report of Duffy's death has reached the Board of Trade. The ship's articles show that he was discharged into hospital on the 8th January suffering from inflammation of the lungs. The Consul at Boston has been requested to furnish a Report on the ease, which will be carefully considered.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEWill the Report be laid on the Table, or be shown to those interested?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI had rather not answer that question without consideration. I will let the hon. Member know.