§ Mr. MORTONasked whether representations have been received from the Port of London Sanitary Authority with reference to the unsatisfactory condition of crews' provisions on vessels; whether he is aware that in many instances the meat and other food on board vessels intended for the use of crews has been found to be in a putrid condition; and whether, inasmuch as the matter is of importance to the health of the sailors, he will consider if any steps can be taken to provide for a more efficient and satisfactory supervision of provisions supplied to ships for the use of seamen?
Mr. BUXTONRepresentations have been made to the Board of Trade from the Port of London Sanitary Committee to the effect that the medical officer of health has on several occasions condemned provisions found on ships within the Port of London, and I understand that such provisions were in almost every case very properly destroyed. The crew of any British ship have a right of complaint and compensation under Sections 198 and 199, Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, in cases where bad or inadequate provisions are supplied to them. It is the desire of the Board of Trade, within the limits of the powers conferred on them by the Merchant Shipping Acts, to deal effectively with this matter. As at present advised, I am not convinced that the powers of the Department, taken in conjunction with those of the Port Sanitary Authority, are insufficient for the purpose, but the matter will be carefully watched. If my hon. Friend will submit any cases to me I shall be glad to consider them.