HC Deb 18 February 1947 vol 433 c961
25. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the conditions on the ss. "Dunera" which sailed from India on 9th January and arrived here on 29th January; what was the ship used for prior to this voyage; how many men were on board; how were they fed; why was there such a contrast between how the officers were treated and the men; how many officers brought their wives; and how many servants were on board.

Mr. Bellenger

H.M. I. "Dunera" is a vessel specially constructed and fitted for trooping service. and, before the voyage in question, she had been employed on trooping duties in the Indian Ocean. On the voyage to the United Kingdom she carried 354 cabin and 1,345 troopdeck passengers from Bombay and a further in cabin and ten troopdeck from Port Said. According to the official voyage reports, regulations governing the feeding and accommodation of officers and men in troopships were duly complied with and no complaints are recorded, but if my hon. Friend has any special points which he wishes to bring to my notice. I will have further investigations made. There were 19 accompanied and ten unaccompanied officers' wives No servant. were embarked