§ 23. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether prisoners of war or interned civilians are now detained on the steamship "Uranium"; if so, what is the tonnage of the "Uranium"; and how many prisoners and others are quartered on this ship; whether he is aware that complaints of overcrowding and unhealthy conditions have been made; and whether it is intended that the arrangements now existing are to continue for the duration of the War?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)Only interned civilians, of whom there are 992, are detained on the "Uranium." The gross tonnage is 5,189. In addition to the prisoners there are 154 persons, comprising the staff and guard. There have been complaints about overcrowding on this ship, but orders have been given which will remove this temporary inconvenience.
§ Mr. KINGIs it intended to keep the prisoners still on board ship? Cannot they be transferred to some camp on land?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is under consideration.