§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Peninsular and Oriental steamship "Abydos" was in 1916 converted into a floating workshop and sent to Basra, against expert advice, and on arrival there was found to be useless for its destined purpose; what was the total cost of taking out the fittings of a passenger vessel and installing workshop fittings; how much was paid to the owners of the "Abydos" for its services; what Department or 1459 person in the Government of India was responsible for the selection and fitting up of the "Abydos"; and for what uses is this steamship now available?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)The Secretary of State has obtained the following information from India about the "Abydos": In August, 1916, the War Office asked the Government of India if any vessel was available in India for a floating workshop at Basra The Quartermaster-General in India consulted the Indian Engineering Association, a body representative of the engineering profession in India, who reported that the "Abydos" was suitable. She was fitted out at a cost of about £45,700 and sent to Basra. No expert advice was given against the impressment of the vessel for the purpose. On her arrival at Basra a committee assembled by the Director, Inland Water Transport, decided that the machinery could be more usefully employed on shore. It was accordingly removed with the concurrence of the War Office, and the vessel was returned to her owners. No structural alteration had been made which unfitted the vessel for her ordinary purposes. The £45,700 includes the cost of the machinery and work shops which were utilised on shore. The owners were presumably paid at Blue Book rates for the hire of the vessel. A detailed report is being sent from India by mail. Perhaps the hon. Member will postpone the questions on the subject which he has put down for next Wednesday until this has arrived.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman also inquire if it is not the case that this criticism proceeds from the complaint of a shipping expert and is probably founded on information offered by that gentleman?