§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the suicide at sea on 4th July, 1909, of an Asiatic coal-trimmer named Chendoo Rahiman, whilst serving on the steamer "Visigoth," of Southampton; whether any inquiry has been held into the matter; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long he had served on the vessel; whether he had any previous sea service; whether he was on duty at the time; what was the temperature of the engine-room and stokehold; how many tons of coal the engine-room hands were required to work each 24 hours; and whether any previous cases of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance have occurred on this vessel?
Mr. TENNANTI will have the particulars which the hon. Gentleman seeks circulated with the Votes. [See Written Answers this date.]
§ Mr. REESWill the hon. Gentleman state whether complaint was received on behalf of this or any other Asiatic sailor on board?
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLHas any inquiry been held in regard to this case?
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLInstead of having these intimations that the answer will be distributed with the Votes, could we not have the answer given across the floor of the House?
Mr. TENNANTThere has been a considerable number of similar questions the answers to all of which are similar in substance, with the exception of details, and I thought it would save the time of Parliament to circulate the answer.
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the hon. Gentleman give any good reason why the answer should not be given across the floor of the House, because we want to know the heat of the engine-room and the stokehold?
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMight I ask, on a point of Order, whether an hon. Member who puts down a starred question is not entitled to receive an answer across the floor of the House, and whether the refusal of a Minister to answer a starred question in that way is not a distinct departure from the usual practice of the House, and a very important privilege of Members?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is certainly desirable that an answer should be given viva voce unless it involves figures which it is almost impossible for the House to follow. The general custom is to give the answer unless it involves the comparison of figures, when it is more easy to take them in when hon. Members see them in print.
Mr. TENNANTIt was entirely out of consideration for hon. Members and to save the time of the House.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLThis is the second time it has occurred, and the hon. Gentleman will only get more questions if he adopts that policy.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman now prepared to read the answer across the floor of the House?
Mr. TENNANTNo; I will circulate the answer, but, if hon. Gentlemen desire it, in future, of course, I will be delighted to read the answers.