§ 99. Mr. Toucheasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiries regarding the overcrowding of other ranks on the s.s. "Empire Medway" on its recent voyage from Liverpool to the Indian Ocean; and if he will make a statement on the subject.
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot agree that this vessel was overcrowded. It has cabin and troopdeck accommodation for 1,329 persons and only 1,235 were carried. The hard lying accommodation was not utilised at all.