HC Deb 28 March 1904 vol 132 cc858-9
CAPTAIN DONELAN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the verdict of the jury at the co oner's inquest held at Rathcourseg, county Cork, on Monday last, in connection with the death of naval pensioner Daniel Driscoll by the explosion of alive shrapnel shell; whether he is aware that such shells are frequently strewn about the strand at Rathcourseg, and that they are also liable to be hauled up by fishing nets; whether steps will be taken to give effect to the recommendation of the jury with a view to prevent similar accidents in future; and whether compensation will be given to the widow and family of this man.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRBTYMAN,) Suffolk, Woodbridge

Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to this incident, but as there is no suggestion that the Navy have anything to do with the firing of these shells that are found at Rathcourseg in the neighbourhood of two land forts, the matter does not appear to be one for the Admiralty. Practice with naval guns using live shell is only carried out by His Majesty's ships at sea and under conditions which render occurrences of this kind quite impossible.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Will the hon. Gentleman recommend the War Office to consider the question of compensation?

MR. PRETYMAN

That does not rest with the Admiralty.