§ 36. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for War how many British Servicemen, Indian soldiers and British officers travelled aboard the H.M.T. "Rajula" on her recent voyage from Kure to Singapore; what her normal capacity is; how many washbowls and lavatories were available to the troops; what is the extent of the life-saving equipment; why the troops were not given shore leave but were taken ashore for rifle drill at Hong Kong; and why the troops were confined to the forward well-deck during the voyage.
§ Mr. BellengerOn leaving Kure this transport was carrying 1,013 British warrant officers and other ranks, 689 Indian officers and other ranks and 30 British officers. From Hong Kong to Singapore 1,014 British warrant officers and other ranks, 776 Indian officers and other ranks, 45 British officers and two nurses were on board. The "Rajula" is an Indian Ocean troopship based on India, and has now been released. Consequently the rest of the information asked for is not available in this country. I am, however, obtaining it and will write to my hon. Friend.