§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the disappearance at sea on 19th June, 1909, of an Asiatic fireman named Hong E. Choy, whilst serving on the steamer "Shimosa," of Liverpool; whether any inquiry had been held into the matter; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; 7 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?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)The Asiatic fireman referred to in the question disappeared from the "Shimosa" on the day after leaving Singapore for Aden. Inquiry was made into the occurrence by the shipping master at Aden. The man had been only four days on board the vessel; it is not known whether he had had previous sea service; he was on duty at the time of his disappearance. The temperature of the engine-room was 120 degrees and of the stokehold 113 degrees. The consumption of coal was 36 tons per day and the number of firemen and trimmers was 13. One case of suicide and one other case of supposed suicide have occurred in this vessel during the last three years. The "Shimosa" trades regularly between New York and Eastern ports and has not been in the United Kingdom since she was built.
§ Mr. REESWas any complaint made by or on behalf of the deceased Asiatic seaman or any other Asiatic seaman on this vessel against the management?