MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is a Regulation or Rule of Her Majesty's Navy that, in case it appears to the Captain of a ship that the course ordered by his superior officer would endanger his ship, it is the Captain's duty, such orders notwithstanding, to take such steps as may be necessary to avoid any such danger, even if the steps necessary may involve disobedience to the order given; whether it is the Captain's duty, when time or circumstances do not admit of his superior officer's permission being obtained, to take such steps without such permission; and whether the responsibility of a Captain for the handling of his ship and the avoidance of endangering her is complete and undivided, or whether it is to any, and, if so, what, extent lessened or removed, or the Captain relieved from it, by the presence of a superior officer on board the ship?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThe circumstances connected with the loss of H.M.S. Victoria have been fully dealt with by the Court Martial, the proceedings of which have been laid upon the Table of the House, and in the finding of which the Board of Admiralty have expressed their concurrence. I must respectfully decline to give any answer to a series of questions which by inference have the effect of imputing blame to an officer who was tried and acquitted by that Court. In the opinion of the Admiralty, the claim of responsibility for the government of the Navy is amply defined, and has stood the test of 367 long and varied experience. Suggestions to radically alter the present distribution of responsibility, in consequence of an occurrence of an extraordinary and unprecedented character, cannot be entertained.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman where in my question any suggestion is made casting any reflection upon anyone? I asked as to the general principle which governs the responsibility of Captains. If the right hon. Gentleman says that in the interests of the Service he cannot answer then I understand him.
§ [No answer was given.]
§ [No answer was given.]
MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in accordance with the Admiralty Minute on the Victoria Court Martial, new Regulations are to be issued to the Fleet which will ensure that under special circumstances, and particularly when there is risk of a collision, doors, hatches, &c, shall be kept closed as far as possible; whether the existing Regulations now in force make any, and, if so, what, provision for the special circumstances in question; and whether there is any Regulation or Rule prescribing that water-tight doors shall be closed and reported closed before beginning to execute a Fleet evolution?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH(1) Yes; it is so stated in the Minute referred to. (2) Yes; the existing Regulations on the subject are comprehensive. (3) No.