§ Group-Captain Wilcockasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is 144W aware of the conditions under which troops returned to this country from Egypt in the s.s. "Orduna," from Port Said on 29th January, docking at Liverpool on 20th February, and why in addition to overcrowding and bad food four German prisoners-of-war officers travelled first-class; and whether he will ensure that on the return journey conditions are considerably improved.
§ Mr. BellengerOn the voyage in question the number of troops carried on the "Orduna" was 11½ per cent. less than the agreed capacity. Complaints were received about the men's messing, and as a result of an investigation undertaken in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport steps are being taken to overhaul the galley facilities. Fifty German prisoners of war were on board, and five of them who were officers were moved to an empty dormitory in order to segregate them.