§ Sir WATSON CHEYNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if German women are being given priority of departure from Singapore on passenger steamers leaving for Europe over and to the exclusion of invalid British women and children who require immediate removal from the tropical climate; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any and, if any, what action in the matter?
§ Colonel AMERYMy hon. Friend no doubt has in mind the requisitioning of the steamships "Nore" and "Novara" for the deportation of Germans from China. The Secretary of State is aware of the pressing need for passage accommodation for women and children from the East. The matter has given him much concern and he is in communication, with the Ministry of Shipping on the subject, but in view of the great importance and urgency attached to the removal of enemy subjects from China, I fear that the decision with regard to these two steamers cannot be altered.