HC Deb 06 May 1919 vol 115 c771W
Mr. TOOTILL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the "Bombay Chronicle" for the 18th March, 1919, contained an advertisement in which the Controller of Passages offered third-class passages on the "Ormondi" during the first part of April owing to the shortage of applications; and whether he will take advantage of this accommodation to bring home some of the Royal Engineer signallers who have been overseas, without leave, since the early days of the War?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand that the "Ormondi" was not detailed for the conveyance of troops, but to relieve the pressure on civilian traffic. I have no information as to the advertisement referred to. Perhaps my hon. Friend will address that part of his question to my right hon. Friend the Controller of Shipping. The dispatch of troops from India has been temporarily suspended owing to the situation existing there, but it is hoped that it will be able to be resumed now within the next few days.