MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, are the Admiralty aware that there are in existence British Salvage Companies of great experience and proved ability; and can he explain why none of these companies was called upon to undertake the raising of the sunken Submarine A1; and why the work was committed to the Swedish Neptune Salvage Company of Stockholm without any opportunity being afforded to any British company to undertake it.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The Admiralty is aware of the existence of qualified British Salvage Companies, and has already made use of their services. But the Neptune Salvage Company were successful in raising H.M.S. "Howe" in 1893, and having one of their ships (the "Belos") at Portsmouth at the time of the recent accident, their offer was accepted by the Commander-in-Chief so as not to lose valuable time.