§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the death at sea on 26th October, 1908, from beri-beri, of an Asiatic fireman, named Tong Tay, on the ss. "Falls of Orchy," of Glasgow; whether he is aware that this disease is attributed to insufficient and improper food; whether any inquiry has been held; whether the seaman was medically examined prior to joining the ship; whether he had any previous sea service; and whether any previous cases of deaths from beri-beri have occurred on this ship?
Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir. The man reported to my hon. Friend died of beri-beri on a voyage from Newcastle, N.S.W., to Manila. The cause of beri-beri has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is probable that bad or insufficient food may predispose to the disease. Inquiry was held by the Vice-Consul at Manila, and further inquiry will, if possible, be made on the return of the vessel to this country. The man was medically examined at Newcastle, N.S.W., and had had previous sea service. No previous death from beri-beri on board this vessel has been reported.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the death, on 11th August, 1908, from beri-beri, of Tan Kay, an Asiatic fireman, one of the crew of the ss. "Ocean Monarch," of Glasgow; whether he is aware that this disease is attributed to insufficient and improper food; whether any inquiry was held; whether the seaman was medically exam- 1254W ined before joining the ship; whether he had any previous sea service; and whether any previous cases of beri-beri have occurred on this ship?
Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir. The man referred to by my hon. Friend died of beriberi in the General Hospital at Colombo. The cause of beri-beri has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is probable that bad and insufficient food may predispose to the disease. Inquiry was held by the shipping master at Colombo, and further inquiry will, if possible, be made on the return of the vessel to this country. I am not aware whether the man had been medically examined or had had previous sea service. No previous case of death on board this vessel from beri-beri has been reported during the last three years.