§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement regarding the recent explosion in Submarine X 1?
Mr. ALEXANDERAs indicated in the statement already issued by the Admiralty, an accident occurred while Submarine X 1 was carrying out a trial off the Edinburgh Light Vessel in the Thames Estuary. When the submarine had been proceeding at full power for about half an hour an explosion occurred in the crank case of port main engine caused by the temporary seizure of a piston. Some dozen ratings received injuries of greater or less severity, but all are in a fair way to recovery. A court of inquiry has been held, but its report has not yet been received.