23. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the steamship "Car-mania" was ready to leave Liverpool for New York on the 9th inst.; whether her departure was delayed for twenty-four hours in consequence of her having to wait for troops; whether these troops could easily have been conveyed to Liverpool ready for embarkation on or before the 9th inst., and whether, in view of the waste of money and loss of tonnage involved by such action, he will have the matter carefully looked into and reprimand those who were responsible for such negligence?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe War Office was informed that the "Carmania" was to leave Liverpool on 10th April, and arrangements for the embarkation of the troops were made accordingly. Had the Department been aware that the "Carmania" would sail on the 9th the troops would certainly have been taken to Liverpool for embarkation on that date.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not the only case where steamers have been delayed, and will he give instructions that, at all events, facilities are granted in order that troops may be there to wait for the steamers, and not the steamers there waiting for the troops?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a question which can only be settled on the merits of each case. There may be greater inconvenience keeping a large number of men in a port without proper arrangements for their reception than by keeping a ship in her berth.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon Gentleman aware that there is accommodation on the steamers for these men, and therefore there is no question of arrangements for accommodation in port?