HC Deb 11 June 1901 vol 97 cc79-80
MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in consequence of the steamer "Lovedale" being unable to carry more than 370 of the Seaforth Militia from Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway on the evening of 11th June, 230 of the men were left at Kyle, where, owing to the insufficiency of the accommodation, they had to spend the night on the platform and await the sailing of another steamer at 2 p.m. the following afternoon. And, seeing that the regiment had just returned from a hot climate, and that the weather at the time was cold, wet, and stormy, will he explain why instructions were not issued for some of the men to be detained and accommodated for the night at Dingwall, as soon as it was known that the steamer originally secured to convey the men to Stornoway was not available.

LORD STANLEY

I have nothing to add to the very full explanation which has been already given to the hon. Member.*

MR. WEIR

The noble Lord has not given me any information in answer to the question on the Paper. One of the men subjected to exposure has since died in consequence, and many of them are seriously ill. I think this matter should be inquired into, and I will take another opportunity of raising it.