§ 13. Mr. HAYESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the circumstances of the death of Robert Wilson, of Liverpool, fireman, s.s. "Delilian," and to the allegations by members of the crew that the meat and water were tainted, and that six of the crew were taken ill in consequence; and whether he will order an inquiry into this matter with facilities to owners and crew to state their case?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo information on this matter has been received by the Board of Trade, but I have obtained a newspaper report of the inquest on Robert Wilson, and observe that the medical evidence was against the theory that his fatal illness (typhoid) was due to tainted ship's provisions, and that the verdict was one of death from natural causes. The log of the s.s. "Delilian" does not bear out the statement that six of the crew were taken ill, there being , only one case of illness recorded during. the voyage in question, nor does it contain any complaint in regard to the food. I will see whether any further information is available, but the case as it stands is not one for a formal investigation.
Mr. ALEXANDERHas the right hon. Gentleman asked for the report from the Board of Trade superintendent?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes. I am making further inquiries
§ Mr. HAYESWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the coroner's verdict had reference only to the typhoid, and had no bearing at all on the complaint of the food and water being tainted?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is difficult to discuss this matter by question and answer. I have seen the report, and I think the medical evidence was that the typhoid could not have been due to the food and water or there would have been an enormous outbreak among the crew.
§ Mr. HAYESWill the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made from those members of the crew in Liverpool who are, I understand, still under doctors' treatment for illness alleged to have been contracted from the food and water?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will make any inquiries which will throw any further light on the matter.