HC Deb 10 August 1871 vol 208 c1317
MR. MUNTZ

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If there be any objection to lay upon the Table a Copy of the register or record of the "Megæra" when she was placed out of commission; also, a Copy of the Surveys and Reports made by the Surveyor or Dockyard authority from the period she was put out of commission to the time when she was again commissioned for her recent voyage?

MR. GOSCHEN

I do not, Sir, precisely know the nature of the document which my hon. Friend calls the register or record of the Megæra; but with reference to that and the other documents he asks for, I have to state that there will be no objection to give them the fullest publicity. I do not think, however, it would be advisable to publish certain documents piecemeal without producing, at the same time, the Minutes of the Lords of the Admiralty on those submissions. My right hon. Friend at the head of the Government has already said that a full inquiry will be instituted into this case, and I shall take care to have all the documents prepared, so that the whole of the facts may be submitted to a competent Court of Inquiry. I may add that I have given directions to the captain of the Megæra to return home by the ordinary mail steamer, in order that the proceedings may not be delayed.