§ Major GLYNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn both to the time occupied and the incidents that occurred in the hired transport "Patricia" on her last voyage from Bombay to Liverpool; whether he is aware that the ship was very much overcrowded; that the accommodation afforded was very indifferent; that the ship was in an insanitary condition, and that there was such a shortage of fresh water that only one small can was allowed for four persons per diem; whether the refrigerating plant broke down, with the consequent effect of bad meat, etc., being the only food available until some meagre stores could be embarked at Aden and elsewhere; whether the bully beef and tinned meat was in good condition; whether the prices charged by the ship for refreshments, tobacco, etc., were extortionate; and whether, in view of the previous experiences of passengers forced to travel in this vessel, a thorough inquiry will forthwith be instituted into the causes of these events?
Colonel WILSONI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and I immediately called for reports. The "Patricia" is not a hired transport, but a surrendered German steamer being managed for the Government by a private firm. She was built particularly with a view to Atlantic trading, and would not have been used on the Eastern routes but for the dearth of passenger tonnage and urgent demand for passages. The accommodation was fully occupied, but she was not overcrowded, and probably no complaint would have arisen in cold water trades. There was no shortage of fresh water, but economy had to be observed in view of the fact that notice had been received that supplies were not available at Aden. No serious complaints were received about the sanitation and minor defects were at once remedied. The refrigerating plant was not capable of keeping the temperature down below freezing point in the Red Sea and fresh meat and fish taken on board at Aden had to be thrown overboard, but the bully 387W beef was in perfectly good condition. With regard to the charge for refreshments, tobacco, etc., the price list was considered by the officer commanding the troops too high, and it was reduced shortly after leaving Bombay. The first prices could not, however, be termed extortionate, and I should be prepared to show my hon. and gallant Friend a price list.