§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH (Maidstone)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any communications have been received at the Admiralty from the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet with reference to a serious collision having been imminent between H.M.S. "Good Hope" and H.M.S. "Argyll," owing to an order given by the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet.
§ MR. McKENNAThe Board have had reported to them and have examined the positions of the Fleet at the moment the signal referred to was made, and they are satisfied that the manœuvre was not dangerous. At the same time the Rear Admiral, as he thought there was risk in carrying out the order, was justified in turning the other way; and the Commander-in-Chief so informed him by signal at the time.
§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)Will my right hon. friend convey that answer 1742 to the editors of those papers which erroneously accused Lord Charles Beresford of having endangered the lives of 1,600 men?
§ MR. McKENNAI think it is always desirable to avoid communications with the Press.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is now speaking for the whole of his colleagues?
§ MR. McKENNAI do not think I should be called upon to answer that Question.