§ Mr. HAVELOCK WILSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the death at sea from beri beri of an Asiatic fireman named Meayan Iazalla, on 16th January, 1909, on the steamer "Clan Farquhar," of Glasgow; whether he is aware that this disease is attributed to insufficient and improper food; whether the seaman was medically examined before he joined the vessel; whether he had any previous sea service; and whether any previous cases of death from this disease have occurred on this ship?
1870W
Mr. TENNANTThe man referred to died of beri beri at sea between Port Talbot and Glasgow. The cause of beri beri has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is probable that bad and insufficient food predispose to the disease. The. "Clan Farquhar" is now abroad, but upon her return to this country further inquiry will be made. I am not aware whether the man had been medically examined or had had previous sea service before joining the ship. No previous death from beri beri on board this ship has been reported during the last three years.