§ Major WATTS MORGAN (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause enquiries to be made as to who gave permission for the sailing of the s.s. "Patricia," and if she was examined, and by whom was this done; and, further, having regard to the widespread feeling prevailing, whether he will issue daily reports as to the movements of this vessel in order to allay the deep anxiety of thousands of people in this country as to the passage of the said vessel?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe s.s. "Patricia" was inspected by the Board of Trade surveyors at Liverpool, and was granted a passenger certificate at Liverpool. As soon as she was ready for sea she sailed for India under the directions of the Ministry of Shipping. It was intended to embark native troops at Marseilles, and in this connection the ship was inspected at Liverpool. It was found that some of the sanitary connections were unsatisfactory, and as time did not permit of this being rectified before sailing, the plumbers and material were put on board to carry out the necessary repairs on the voyage to Marseilles. On arrival at Marseilles the unsatisfactory conditions still existed, and the vessel was detained while further work was carried out. The ship was then inspected, and, being reported satisfactory, native troops were embarked. On the voyage from Marseilles to Malta there was a breakdown of a sanitary pump, which necessitated further delay at Malta. The vessel left Malta on the 3rd March, and sailed from Suez on the 9th March for Bombay. The vessel's arrival at Bombay will be publicly notified. There is no reason to doubt the seaworthiness of the ship.