§ 103. Mr. Weitzmanasked the Minister of Transport why the "Aquitania" sailed for New York last week with a considerable number of empty berths; and whether, having regard to the fact that hundreds of people are anxiously waiting for transport to the U.S.A., steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.
§ Mr. BarnesAs I informed the hon. Member for Wavertree (Mr. Raikes) on 24th October, the "Aquitania" was not specially chartered for the voyage in question, being already in the service of His Majesty's Government, and it is estimated that the earnings of the voyage would cover the cost. This vessel is fitted as a troopship and the maximum number of civilian passengers which could be carried with a moderate degree of comfort on the recent voyage was 1,004. 982 were embarked. The shipping company, was, however, unable to dispose in time of the remaining 22 berths in dormitories although they were offered to those on its waiting list.