Miss Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will give an assurance that merchant ships designated for service in Far Eastern waters will be fitted with electric fans or air conditioning, with double awnings and will be made suitable for sailing in tropical waters.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAll new merchant ships which are likely to be sent to the Far East are fitted either with electric fans, or preferably, where this can be done, with forced draught ventilation. Awnings are also being provided, but owing to shortage of material, double awnings can generally only be given to vessels going to the Persian Gulf. In the case of older ships not already equipped for tropical service, owners are required to make them as suitable as is practicable. This involves the provision of electric fans and awnings, where these are not already on board.