§ MR. C. DUNCAN (Barrow-in-Furness)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that H.M.S. "Diadem," at present under repair in His Majesty's dockyard at Chatham, is in such a dirty, verminous, and generally insanitary condition as to be detrimental to the health of the workmen employed thereon; whether he is aware that a shipwright recently employed below decks on this ship has lately died from enteric fever contracted in the course of such employment; whether any application has been made by the widow for compensation for the loss of her husband; and whether any, and what, steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such cases.
§ MR. MCKENNAThe statement as to the condition of the "Diadem" has proved upon inquiry to be without 757 foundation. A shipwright recently employed on this ship has lately died from enteric fever, but there is no evidence that the disease in question was contracted on duty. An application has been made by the widow for a compassionate allowance, and this is now receiving attention.
§ MR. C. DUNCANWas the inquiry made only after the Question had been handed in in this House?
§ MR. MCKENNAThe report on the matter is dated 29th October. It says no complaints had been received from any dockyard official or workman employed on board.
§ MR. C. DUNCANMy Question was handed in on the 28th.