Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether complaints have reached him from the third-class passengers of certain steamers carrying British emigrants to Canada that the sanitation, food, drinking water, and general accommodation are so miserable as to excite widespread indignation; whether he has made, or will make, inquiries into this matter; and whether, especially in view of the very large numbers now proceeding to the Canadian provinces, he can immediately approach the steamship companies against whom complaints have been or may be received with representations for more sanitary and proper treatment?
Mr. BUXTONYes, Sir. Complaints have reached me from third-class passengers on some of the steamers carrying emigrants to Canada, and each such case has been, or is being, investigated. Great care is taken to see that the statutory Regulations as to food, sanitation, and 1188 accommodation are complied with on these vessels, and representations are made to the owners in any case in which this appears necessary.