HC Deb 23 April 1909 vol 3 c1870W
Mr. HAVELOCK WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the disappearance at sea on 6th January, 1909, of an Asiatic fireman named Hajee Sk Ebram whilst serving on the steamer "Falls of Moness," of Glasgow; whether the sea man was medically examined before joining the ship; whether he had any previous sea service; whether the Board of Trade surveyors have satisfactorily reported the ventilation of the stokehold; if he can state how much coal the stokehold hands were required to work each 24 hours; and whether any previous cases of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance have occurred on this vessel?

Mr. TENNANT

The man referred to disappeared at sea between Bombay and Port Said. I am not aware whether he had been medically examined before joining the "Falls of Moness," but he had had previous sea service as a fireman. The Board of Trade surveyors reported satisfactorily on the ventilation, and were of opinion that having regard to the voyage the temperature was not excessive at the time of the man's disappearance. The number of firemen and trimmers was 15, and the coal consumption was 30 tons per day. No other case of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance in this vessel has been reported during the last three years.