§ Mr. TOOTILLasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the whole of the ship's company on His Majesty's ship "Bacchante' are suffering from influenza, and that the men are having to remain in their bunks owing to limited suitable hospital accommodation; and whether he will take steps to secure that the non-infected men are 1162W removed from the ship, and that adequate accommodation and medical attendance in provided for the men who are suffering?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am advised that when influenza broke out on the 30th January on His Majesty's ship "Bacchante" only 200 ratings were on board. Most of these were attacked by the disease, and all the more serious cases, numbering over 100, were sent to hospital, the mild cases only being retained on board. There was no lack of hospital accommodation, nor were cases at any time refused. I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the great majority of the cases retained on board are now on duty, and that no death has occurred on board. The medical staff on the ship consists of three medical officers and five sick berth ratings, and is considered adequate to deal with the cases. I may add that extra heating apparatus has been provided for the mess decks.