§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to the fact that M'Brayne's steamer "Lovedale," which was provided to convey the Seaforth Militia from Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway on their return to their homes from Egypt on the evening of the 11th June, broke down in the Minch, and was delayed a considerable time, will he state 992 when, where, and by whom she was last surveyed.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe "Lovedale" was last surveyed at Glasgow in October and November last by one of the Board of Trade surveyors at that port.
§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, having regard to the fact that the West Highland mail steamer supplied by Mr. David M'Brayne on the night of the 11th June for the conveyance of the Seaforth Militia from Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway was provided with such inadequate shelter that two of the men have since died from exposure to the weather, whilst many others have been invalided, whether he will take steps to secure steamers with better accommodation for such purposes.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.Accepting the hon. Member's statement of the circumstances, the Postmaster General regrets the occurrence referred to. But the steamer is provided primarily for the conveyance of mails, and the contract under which the service is performed contains no provisions with respect to accommodation for passengers. The Postmaster General has, therefore, no power to interfere.