HC Deb 11 June 1901 vol 95 cc57-8
MR. LAMBTON (Durham, S.E.)

May I ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give the House any information as to the boiler explosion on board the ship "Daring" at Portsmouth.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The following telegram, dated to-day, has been received— Regret to report, owing to bursting of a tube in boiler of 'Daring,' tender to 'Excellent,' last evening, the following man was killed—Alfred E. Reed, stoker, O.N. 278027, and following injured, severely burnt: Fred Paffet, chief stoker; H. Elliott, stoker; Thos. O. Parks, stoker; George Gammon, stoker. All doing well except Parks. Court of inquiry sits this morning.

MR. WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)

Was the full pressure on the boilers at the time the explosion occurred?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Before receiving the Report of the court of inquiry I cannot possibly answer that question.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Was this a water-tube boiler?

MR. WILLIAM ALLAN

Yes.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I do not know with what motive that question is asked. My hon. friend knows as well as anyone in the House that all the destroyers have water-tube boilers. This was a Thorneycroft boiler of a peculiarly safe type. I ask leave to answer the question, because evidently there was a motive in asking it.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Not at all

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

It was at Thorneycroft type of boiler, which is in use in hundreds of vessels, and, as my hon. friend knows, all destroyers are fitted with water-tube boilers, and there is no possible alternative boiler at, present before us.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I desire, with the permission of the House, absolutely to repudiate any motive save that of obtaining the information I asked for.