§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether an inquiry has been held into the loss of the s.s. "El Kahira," of London (O.N. 110,140), with all hands and passengers, which left London on the 7th July, 1922, bound for Algiers, and was last seen about 12 miles west of the Casquets on the 9th July, 1922, and has not since been heard of; if so, what was the result of the inquiry; whether the vessel was fitted with wireless; and is he aware that no compensation has been paid to the relatives of the crew?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEAn inquiry into the loss of the s.s. "El Kahira" has been ordered, and will be held at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday the 18th September. Questions of the equipment of the vessel will come before the Court holding the inquiry. I am informed that the owners of the vessel have at 1241 present no funds available for the payment of compensation, but this is not a matter in which the Board of Trade has any power to intervene.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhy is the inquiry only being ordered for 18th September next when the ship has been missing over a year?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIf the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question on that point, I will give him a full explanation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI think I am entitled to an answer when this is a clear case of neglect of duty on the part of the Board of Trade. The vessel has been missing for over a year and is there any reason why the inquiry has only been ordered now.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question is not included on the Paper and the hon. and gallant Member should put it down.