§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that there is a lack of liaison between the Passage Department, Simla, and the Priority Passage Controller, Bombay; that boats leave India with empty berths while civilians, whose leave is long overdue, are unable to obtain passages; and when some improvement may be expected.
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe hon. and gallant Member may be assured that though on occasions troopships leave India with some empty berths, this is not due to any lack of liaison between Departments, but is in the interest of the health and comfort of troops and other passengers when passing through the Red Sea. To476W secure this, certain ships are not berthed on leaving India to their full war-time capacity for voyages east of Suez. Such ships are none the less more heavily loaded than was usual under peace-time standards. The empty berths are, however, filled up on arrival in the Middle East. Owing to Service requirements there is not enough accommodation for all the civilians now wishing to travel, but everything possible is being done both here and in India to secure an increase in the number of places available for civilians.