§ Mr. PURCELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions prevailing on the steamship "Waimana," a cargo boat which has been converted for the purpose of carrying passengers to New Zealand; whether he is aware that the lavatory accommodation was only one lavatory for each 100 people; that there were only nine baths on the boat, five of which were allotted to the women; that there was no privacy, the baths being ultimately screened with tarpaulins after complaints being made of the passing to and fro of the members of the crew on their ordinary duties; and whether he will have immediate action taken to ensure that the conditions on ships conveying emigrants from this country shall comply with ordinary conditions of decency and sanitation and that the food shall be adequate and of good quality.
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§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs stated in reply to the hon. Member for Southwark Central on 29th March, the "Waimana," which was built under passenger survey for the purpose of carrying emigrants, was thoroughly surveyed before clearance on her present voyage and complied fully with the Regulations. The lavatory accommodation was about three times that stated in the question, namely, 26 for 853 persons. There were nine baths, five of which were for women. The complaints as to want of privacy are not understood, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with any particulars he may have, the matter will be investigated on the vessel's return.