§ Mr. STEADMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the disappearance at sea, on 13th June, 1909, of an Asiatic seaman named Li Li, whilst serving on the steamer "Dunbar," of Leith; 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 had any previous sea service; whether he was on duty at the time; and whether any previous cases of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance have occurred on this vessel?
Mr. TENNANTThe Asiatic seaman Li Li jumped overboard from the "Dunbar" on the voyage from Cardiff to Yokohama. Inquiry was held by the Acting Vice-Consul at Yokohama and the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at Avonmouth. The man was not medically examined before joining the ship at Sharpness, but appeared to be of poor physique and in weak health. He was 51 days on board the "Dunbar," and had had previous sea service. He had been off duty and on special diet for some days before the occurrence. No other case of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance has occurred in this vessel during the last three years.
§ Mr. REESIs it not a fact that in all such cases inquiries are, as a matter of official routine, made, and published in a list, and were any complaints made on behalf of the seamen on this vessel?