§ COMMANDER BETHELL (York, E.R., Holderness)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if it is intended to hold a special inquiry to find out why the Victoria capsized after being rammed?
SIR U. KAY-SHTJTTLEWORTHAs I stated on the 10th instant, the Minutes of the Court Martial on the loss of the Victoria are being printed with a view to their full consideration by the Board of Admiralty. Meanwhile, answers to questions of this character must necessarily be deferred.
§ COMMANDER BETHELLMy question had nothing whatever to do with the Court Martial. I only asked whether a scientific inquiry could be insti- 526 tuted to find out why the Victoria capsized after being rammed?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHI think it has a great deal to with do it. Very full questions were asked by direction of the Admiralty at the Court Martial, and very full evidence was obtained as to the parts of the Victoria which were flooded. Until that evidence has been thoroughly investigated by the Admiralty, it is impossible, on behalf of the Admiralty, to answer whether a special inquiry is or is not necessary.
§ DR. MACGREGORCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the second officer in command may exercise discretionary power to prevent such accidents?
*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHI am afraid I can only repeat the answer I gave to my hon. Friend on a previous occasion.