HC Deb 09 May 1928 vol 217 cc202-3
10. Mr. DAY

asked the First Lord of Admiralty what assistance has been rendered to the population of Corinth following the earth tremors that have occurred there; and whether the medical stores and supplies sent by the aircraft carrier "Eagle" and the hospital ship "Maine" were furnished by the British authorities?

11. Sir ROBERT THOMAS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement regarding the assistance rendered by ships of His Majesty's Navy to the inhabitants of the areas recently devastated by earthquakes in Greece?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

The only vessels which were actually sent were His Majesty's Ship "Stuart" from 24th to 26th April and His Majesty's Ship "Eagle" from 25th to 29th April. I have not yet received the written report, but I gather that the assistance which was rendered consisted mainly of erection of tents, digging sanitary accommodation, erection of kitchens with material supplied locally and provision of bread.

Mr. DAY

Were the supplies furnished by the British authorities?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As my answer shows, some of them were supplied by the British authorities and some were provided locally.

Mr. DAY

Were the ships able to shelter the victims at night?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As I said, I have not yet had a full report. I do not know about that matter.

Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARD

Will the expenditure incurred, if any, be borne on the Admiralty Vote?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The incidence of the charge has not yet been decided.