HC Deb 20 June 1939 vol 348 cc1989-90
2. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the facts concerning the death in 1938 of Mr. James Richmond, on board the "Empress of Britain," have been brought to his notice; and what was the cause of death?

Mr. Stanley

The death of James Richmond, a member of the crew of the steamship "Empress of Britain," at Manila on 17th March, 1938, was the subject of a statutory inquiry held under Section 690 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, on 1st June, 1938, at the Mercantile Marine Office, Southampton. The statement in the log of the cause of death, which was signed by the senior surgeon of the vessel, showed that the cause of death was acute gastro-enteritis, and the superintendent, as a result of his inquiry, certified that he found this statement correct and true.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Has it been brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice that in the entry in the log it was stated by the medical officer that the cause of death was gastro-enteritis due to cholera germ, and that that fact was brought to the notice of the officers of the ship and of the superintendent of the line, but that it was concealed? Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to that?

Mr. Stanley

That is not my information. My information is that the senior surgeon signed the log showing that the cause of death was gastro-enteritis, and that he supported that at the inquiry which was subsequently held.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical officer of the ship, while admitting the facts stated by the right hon. Gentleman, further certified that he informed the officers of the ship and the authorities of the line that the death was due to cholera germ; and that in fact the officers of the ports which the ship subsequently visited were notified of that fact?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir; that does not agree at all with the information given to me as to what the senior surgeon said at the inquiry which was held under the Merchant Shipping Act.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some further inquiry into the matter?