§ Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the case that, according to the report of Dr. Herbert Williams, medical officer of health for the Port of London, in smaller British vessels the crew have to provide and to keep their food in their quarters; and whether he will now take into his consideration the opinion expressed by the medical officer of health for the Port of London that, until the Legislature takes some more practical interest in the welfare of seamen, pulmonary tuberculosis will continue to be a cause of much mortality amongst this class of men?
Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the statements contained in the annual report of Dr. Herbert Williams, medical officer of health for the Port of London, that owing to the nature of the accommodation provided on merchant ships, the conditions are such as to predispose the dissemination of pulmonary tuberculosis; whether, as stated by Dr. Williams, whereas in the case of common lodging houses occupied day and night an official space of 400 cubic feet per head is prescribed, in the case of seamen 72 cubic feet is considered sufficient space; and whether, having regard to Dr. Williams' comments on the accommodation for seamen and the absence of proper hygienic conditions, he intends to take any action?
Mr. BUXTONI have received a copy of Dr. Williams' report, and the statements and expressions of opinion contained therein are receiving my careful consideration. When my inquiries are complete I will consider what action, if any, is necessary and practicable.