HC Deb 04 August 1909 vol 8 cc1837-9
Mr. PIKE PEASE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that at the Naval Review on Saturday the representatives of the Press were on board the "Seahorse," the vessel set apart for their accommodation, for eight hours without food, and with no possibility of procuring any; and could he state why no intimation was given on the cards of invitation sent to the various newspaper offices that the correspondents should bring their own provisions aboard?

Sir HENRY DALZIEL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is within his knowledge that no food was supplied to representatives of the Press on board the "Seahorse" at the Naval Review on Saturday last; why, if the Admiralty had decided that no food should be supplied, an intimation to that effect was not given in the letter which was sent to the various newspapers inviting them to send representatives to the Review; and why, if the Admiralty were to make no provision for their guests, an arrangement was not made to have a caterer on board who would have supplied at a fixed tariff the refreshments that were absolutely necessary?

Mr. BYLES

asked whether the newspaper correspondents who were guests of the Admiralty on board the "Seahorse" at the Naval Review last Saturday were left entirely without food and without the means of obtaining any for many hours together; and why arrangements were not made to have a caterer on board the vessel to supply suitable refreshments?

Mr. McKENNA

I would ask to be allowed to reply to the three questions on this subject together. I very greatly regret that any of the representatives of the Press experienced any discomfort when attending the review on Saturday. I have received a report on the subject from the officer in charge of the arrangements, from which it appears that it was intended that the "Seahorse" should leave the jetty in Portsmouth Harbour at 1.30 p.m. and return immediately after the review, which was timed to conclude at 4.30 p.m. Special provision of meals on board was accordingly not considered necessary. Owing to the condition of the sea, it was decided to start a little earlier, and the ship left at 1.10 p.m. At 4.30 p.m. the officer in charge pointed out that if the ship did not return immediately, they would be later than was intended in getting back to Portsmouth, but he received a strong request that the vessel might remain till the torpedo craft display was also finished, and a delay of 1¾ hours was thereby entailed. The ship arrived back at 6.50 p.m. While I take blame to myself for the miscarriage of the arrangements, and that the possible delays were not anticipated and provided against, I think it is right to add that the Press representatives themselves have refrained from addressing any complaint to me in circumstances which must have brought upon some of them no small personal discomfort.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Are we to understand that no provision for luncheon had been made at all; and with regard to the right hon. Gentleman's remark at the end of his reply, is he aware that in putting the question I am acting as the mouthpiece of the pressmen, who were very greatly dissatisfied with the arrangements?

Mr. McKENNA

Of course, I did not mean any personal allusion to the hon. Member.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Why did you say it?

Mr. McKENNA

I did not.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that he has had marked copies of complaints sent to him?

Mr. McKENNA

That is so. I have had no personal complaint made to me at all, but my hon. Friend must not say I meant to imply any reflection on him for putting the question to me, but simply to make a statement which is just to the Press representatives themselves. Though they may have said in talking that they were badly treated, they have made no personal complaint to me. With regard to the other point, as I understand, the intended arrangements were that the "Seahorse" should only be away three hours, and it was not in the circumstances considered necessary to provide a meal.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Do we understand that the request for the detention of the vessel over 4.30 was made by the representatives of the Press?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. It is reported to me that the request was a unanimous request from the representatives of the Press.

Mr. RENTON

Is it not a fact that the journalists were fed by the bluejackets, and one went hungry the whole day?

Mr. McKENNA

No, that is not the fact. There was the ship's canteen on board the "Seahorse," at which sandwiches and other food could easily be obtained. I believe there was one case of a gentleman who came on board without having had any breakfast, but he was able to obtain food, I believe.

Sir H. DALZIEL

May I ask whether the amount of money granted for this purpose was sufficient for the "Adriatic," but not sufficient to cover the cost on the "Seahorse"?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; it was not a question of money in either case.

Sir H. DALZIEL

I am only asking the question?

Mr. McKENNA

The money granted for the purpose of the "Adriatic" had nothing to do with the "Seahorse."