§ 23. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food how long the sailing ship "Pamir" which arrived from Australia with a full load of grain has been used by him as a warehouse; if he is aware that unloading had to be suspended because the vessel's cargo was over-run with rats; what loss has been sustained; and, in view of this experience, if he will make a statement on his future policy regarding the use of ships for warehouse purposes.
§ Mr. WebbThe "Pamir" was making her last voyage before being laid up and since no berth was available for unloading she was offered by the owners and accepted for use as a floating store. The cargo of barley was kept on board for52W seven months. No rats were detected during periodical inspections but when unloading began rats were found. The local health authorities and infestation department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at once took energetic action to get rid of them. Losses from all sources, including infestation, were by no means abnormal. The condition of the barley was good and it was perfectly suitable for animal feeding, for which purpose it was imported. Ships are used for storage only in emergencies and these are unlikely to recur.