HC Deb 02 December 1919 vol 122 cc229-30
81. Mr. JODRELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether his attention has been called to an article in the Press with regard to the conditions on board the ss. "Bahia Castillo" when employed in carrying repatriated munition workers back to Australia; if these conditions were as stated; and, if so, will he take steps to see that proper accommodation and adequate food is provided in future?

Colonel WILSON

I must apologise for the length of this answer—

HON. MEMBERS

Circulate it.

Colonel WILSON

I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the Answer:

The "Bahia Castillo" was used for the conveyance of munition workers and their families to Australia. The families were accommodated as follows:

  • 138 berths in permanent 1st class cabins.
  • 304 berths in temporary cabins specially erected.
The ship was fitted under the supervision of the transport officer at Liverpool and a representative of the Australian Government. The ship was inspected both at Liverpool and at Devonport, and passed as satisfactory, the Report being signed by a commander, R.N., a military inspecting officer, and the senior medical officer. On the arrival of the ship at Cape Town, a complaint was received from the passengers, and instructions were sent to the principal naval transport officer to make full investigations and to remedy legitimate grievances, if any. A reply was received as follows: Bahia Castillo" inspected in conjunction with Australian staff officer, Durban. Ship found in every way satisfactory, only reasonable complaint was condition of potatoes and lack of vegetables, which was rectified Cape Town before vessel proceeded. In spite of this, munition workers continued mutinous, and the ship's crew refused to proceed beyond Durban without an armed guard. Seventy-four troops were transferred from the "Bakara," after which the ship proceeded on her voyage. I would point out that since the Armistice over 525,000 Colonial troops and munition workers, and over 65,000 Colonial families, have been repatriated. Among such a large number a certain proportion of complaints was inevitable, but the number of complaints has been exceedingly small in compairson with the numbers handled, and none of the Complaints on investigation have proved to be serious.