§ 1. Colonel DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any official report of a mutiny of the crew on the British steamer "Armistice" off Cape Finisterre; whether the ship's papers were destroyed; if any fatalities have occurred amongst the officers; and can he give the House full particulars?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have received an official report on the disturbance which took place recently on board the s.s. "Armistice." From this it appears that, while the vessel was at Corcubion, Spain, on the 9th November, several members of the crew, who had obtained drink on shore, became intoxicated, created a disturbance, and did some damage to the ship. There were no fatalities and, so far as I am aware, none of the ship's papers were destroyed. The seamen concerned, with one exception, have been discharged from the ship, substitutes have been engaged, and the ship proceeded on her voyage on the 18th November.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Member say whether, contrary to reports in the Press that this was a mixed crew, it was a mixed crew or an entirely British crew?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKYes, Sir, I think there is some truth in that. The matter is having further consideration from my Department.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWere they British seamen or foreigners?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe crew were probably mixed; but I cannot say here and now what is the nationality of every member of the crew.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Member say the size of the British crew? The Press reports say that it was a very important nucleus.
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI am not concerned with the size of the crew. I know that there is some question as to the nationality of the master of the ship, and the matter is being further considered.