HC Deb 05 March 1908 vol 185 cc865-6
* MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty in reference to the loss of the steamboat of the nucleus crew ship "Speedwell," by which a number of men lost their lives, whether he is aware that a young able seaman stated at the coroner's inquest that he was in charge of the boat as coxswain; what was the reason for such an unprecedented event as a steamboat being in charge of a young and inexperienced able seaman who is not a qualified cox- two instances were dealt with by reprimand or minor punishment instead of the first only as now. For comparison the figures for the year ending 1st October 1906 are therefore given:—

swain; and whether the Admiralty concurred in the verdict of the coroner's jury that the boat was overloaded.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) Dundee

The Answer to the first Question is in the affirmative. In answer to the second Question, there have been many cases in which a steamboat has been placed in charge of an able seaman. The man employed in this case was considered by the commanding officer to be a qualified coxswain. The answer to the third Question is in the affirmative.

* MR. BELLAIRS

Can the hon. Member mention a single case of a ship in full commission in which an A.B. was placed in charge of a steam-boat?

Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON

asked for notice.