§ SIR HENRY TYLER (Great Yarmouth)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether it is the case that the Fire Queen was pierced by a torpedo at Portsmouth on Saturday; and, if so, can he state the circumstances under which such an accident or misadventure could have occurred?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)While the torpedo fittings of Her Majesty's ship Severn were being tested on June 30 the torpedo fired on the occasion overran its distance some 90 yards owing 710 to the stopping gear not having worked, striking in its course Her Majesty's ship Fire Queen, and piercing her bottom. In order to save time the trial was being carried out in the harbour instead of outside, as is usually the case. The Commander-in-Chief has given directions that his express sanction must be obtained infuture for any trial inside the harbour. The damage to the Fire Queen is quite immaterial, and the vessel is ready again for service.