§ 18. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement on the inquiries he has made on the treatment accorded to some of the survivors of the m.v. "Dara".
§ Mr. MarplesThe reception of so many survivors presented a problem to the authorities. My inquiries show that the arrangements made by the Bahrain Government and the ship's agents, in consultation with the Political Agent, were the best that were possible in the circumstances.
The reception centre at Muharraq was chosen because it was the only building large enough for the expected number of survivors with easy access and the necessary facilities. It was roofed and its floors were of concrete, although a central courtyard was of earth wet after the rains. Hot meals, clothing, blankets, financial and medical assistance were provided.
No Bahrainis or foreigners with relatives or friends in Bahrain were detained later than 9.30 a.m. and the centre was closed at 3.30 p.m.
§ Mr. StraussDid the right hon. Gentleman read the account by the correspondent of The Times, who was himself on this boat and a survivor, of what happened to him when he reached Bahrain and of the appalling, incredibly bad conditions in which he and the other survivors were housed for two days without being allowed to see anyone from outside? If that account is correct, was not something grossly wrong in the arrangements, and could not our representative there have done something better?
§ Mr. MarplesI saw the account in The Times. I have asked for inquiries to be made. I asked for specific inquiries to be made of India and Pakistan, and the consular representatives of both those countries expressed appreciation for the excellent reception arrangements. No complaints at all other than that of 1156 the correspondent of The Times have been made. Even so, I will go into that particular single complaint.