HC Deb 02 August 1909 vol 8 cc1554-5
Mr. FELL

asked if the submarine C 11 was sunk by a merchant vessel, the s.s. "Eddystone," cutting the line of a squadron of warships in motion in defiance of the regulations of the Board of Trade; if there will be an inquiry held into the circumstances of such breach of regulations; and if the matter will be taken into consideration when the certificate of the "Eddystone" comes up for renewal?

Mr. TENNANT

Until this case has been investigated, it would be undesirable to express any opinion as to the causes or consequences of the accident. I am unable at the moment to say what form the investigation will take, but it will probably not be a Board of Trade inquiry.

Mr. FELL

In the event of there not being any further inquiry, will the Board of Trade hold an investigation of the matter, particularly with regard to the point raised by this question?

Mr. TENNANT

I think it is very unlikely, but I will consider it, supposing the Admiralty do not conduct their own investigations.