§ 3. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether tuberculosis is more prevalent among writers than any other class in the Navy; and, if so, whether this is shown to be attributable to the badly ventilated and lighted offices in many of His Majesty's ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe ratio of cases of tuberculosis per 1,000 of all ranks in 1909 was 2.83; of Naval writers, 2.54. The ratio per 1,000 of all ranks in 1910 was 2.29; of Naval writers, 3.84. No inference of any particular value can be drawn from these ratios, as the total number of writers borne compared with the total of all ranks is small. In 1909 the total number of writers borne was 787 with two cases of tuberculosis. In 1910 the total number was 782 with three cases.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the small accommodation in which the writers do their work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe writers are no worse off than other ratings—stokers, engineers, cooks, and so on.