§ 8. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Weymouth" has been ordered to sail for the East with relief crews early in July; that this will entail passage through the tropics at the hottest time of the year; and that owing to the very limited accommodation on board intense discomfort has been suffered on previous voyages made by this ship of a similar character; whether he can state what is the number of officers and men it is proposed to embark on this occasion; what is the normal complement of this 408 ship; what steps it is intended to take to avoid overcrowding on this occasion; and whether the ships of the Royal Indian Marine at present not in use could be used for trooping purposes?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)His Majesty's Ship "Weymouth" will leave Chatham for Colombo on or shortly after 17th July. The normal complement is 461; it is expected that the total number of ranks and ratings on board will be about 400. No steps are, therefore, required to avoid overcrowding. The reason for the "Weymouth" sailing before end of the hot weather is that the crew of Majesty's Ship "Colombo" is already overdue for relief. The arrangements to be made for the relief of crews of His Majesty's Ships are continually under review, and suitable merchant vessels are used for the purpose when it can be done economically. The proposed use of a Royal Indian Marine ship would not be economical, since it would be necessary to steam her to England empty before starting the voyage, and back to India after discharging the relieved crews. The Admiralty have received no reports as to the alleged discomfort suffered on previous voyages.
§ Viscount CURZONIf the hon. Gentleman has particulars forwarded to him of cases where intense suffering has been caused on board this ship through overcrowding, will he look into the matter?