§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether two of the ships' companies employed in the attempt to salve the "Montagu" have not been able to go ashore or obtain leave for over two months.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONLeave will be given to these ships' companies as soon as the work on the "Montagu" permits.
§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty will now bring to an end the expenditure on the attempt to salve the "Montagu;" whether he is aware that the battleship "Duncan," In the abandoned attempt on July 23rd, struck the ground twice and was imperilled by the tide race; whether one cruiser and one 1343 destroyer employed at various times in the salvage operations have grounded; I whether a lighter was sunk; and whether he has any further information of casualties to the Navy in connection with these operations.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe question of further attempts to salve the "Montagu" will be decided after the next Spring tides. The "Duncan" Touched ground once only, the damage being very slight; she was at no time imperilled by the tide race. The only other casualties of any importance which have occurred in the operations are the loss of a lighter, which has since been recovered, and the loss of two ships' poats.