§ Mr. WEIRasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the death from consumption on 30th December, 1908, of an Asiatic fireman named Mowla Bux Madir Bux, a member of the crew of the steamer "Gregory Apear," of Calcutta; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long he had served on the vessel; whether he had any previous sea service; whether steps were taken to isolate him from the rest of the crew; and whether any previous cases of death from this disease have occurred on this vessel?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H. J. Tennant)The fireman referred to died of phthisis at Hong Kong. He is said to have suffered from the disease for a long time, but it only became acute a fortnight before his death. I am not aware whether he had been medically examined before joining; he had been over six weeks in the vessel, and had had about two years' sea service; it is not at present known whether he was isolated on board the vessel, but he was removed to the Civil Hospital Hong Kong before his death. No other death from consumption in this vessel has been reported during the last three years. The "Gregory Apear" is owned and registered at Calcutta, and is employed in trading in Eastern waters.
§ Mr. WEIRHas the hon. and learned Gentleman no power to see that isolation 412 is provided for these men, and will he ascertain whether the man referred to in the question was medically examined before going on board?
§ Mr. H. J. TENNANTI believe that instructions are given for isolation where possible, but it is not always possible to provide it. In this case we have not had time to ascertain whether he was medically examined before going on board the vessel.