§ 73. Mr. JARRETTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, whether his attention has been called to the conditions on the steam ship "Berrima" during its recent voyage to Australia; and whether it is proposed to take any action in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI would refer to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for the Bothwell Division on the 19th February, and to the hon. Member for the Maryhill Division on 28th March.
§ Mr. JARRETTIs it not a fact that these replies refer to the accommodation on these two ships whereas my question refers to the conditions, and is it not a fact that the Australian papers had reported very adversely upon the conditions? Has a committee of inquiry been set up in Australia, and, if so, are the Imperial Government represented on it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYNo inquiry has been held in this country.
§ Mr. JARRETTIn Australia?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI do not know whether any inquiry has been held in Australia, but we have had communications from the Australian Government, and they deny the allegations.
§ Captain BERKELEYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an undertaking that there will be a proper Parliamentary inquiry into the matter, and is it not a fact that one of the passengers committed suicide in Australia in consequence of the vile accommodation?