HC Deb 21 July 1913 vol 55 cc1718-9W
Mr. FLETCHER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Allen steamship "Corinthian" was passed by the Board before she left Liverpool in June as having suitable accommodation for 200 third-class passengers, who complain of overcrowding, poor bedding, and of having no place to sit down on except their bunks during rough weather?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The steamship "Corinthian" left London on the 12th June last. She was cleared as an emigrant ship by one of the assistant emigration officers of the Board of Trade, and I am informed on inquiry that she fully complied with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts. Nine hundred and seventy-nine steerage passengers (equivalent to 828 adults) were embarked at London and Plymouth, and the clear space allotted to emigrants was much more than sufficient for the number carried, according to the scale laid down in the statutory rules. Besides the usual dining rooms, additional rooms were provided for recreation. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the complaints referred to, I will cause inquiries to be made in the matter.