§ 25. Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the particulars which have been sent to him concerning the large containers of soap powder at Hong Kong, which were condemned, but were in fact usable; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir. My information is that torrential rain during discharging operations saturated the cartons of soap powder, many of which disintegrated. In addition to this, part of the soap powder had deteriorated en route from Australia. I can find no evidence that any usable stock has been condemned, and the damaged and dirty goods are being sold as salvage.