§ 98. Mr. Mellishasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that at Butler's Wharf, Tower Bridge, on 26th November, 1947, 900 cases of tea were loaded into the barge "Sepoy" regardless of complaints made by dock workers that this barge was in a leaky condition, and that as a consequence 200 cases were damaged by water; what action he proposes to take on this matter; and what action to avoid a repetition.
§ Mr. BarnesThe loading of this barge was completed on 17th November. I am informed that it was dry at the time and that there is no record of any prior complaint about its condition. Daily inspections took place and a leak was discovered on 24th November.