HC Deb 19 July 1909 vol 8 cc6-7
Mr. ARTHUR LEE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Submarines C 11 and C 17 carried a full supply of the new safety helmets for enabling the crew to escape in the event of the vessel foundering; if so, whether these appliances were actually used after the collision on 15th July; and whether any lives were saved thereby?

Mr. McKENNA

Neither of the vessels carried an equipment of helmets. These life-saving helmets are a new invention of which it has not yet been possible to obtain supplies sufficient to equip all submarine vessels. The delivery of the whole quantity ordered will not be completed until November next, but supplies are being distributed to the depot ships for submarines as deliveries are received. The air-traps required to enable these safety helmets to be used had been fitted in C 17, and were to have been fitted in C 11 at the first opportunity which might occur of the boat being in dockyard hands.

Mr. LEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in May of last year, 14 months ago, he gave an assurance in this House that these appliances would be supplied as soon as possible?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes.

Mr. LEE

In view of the simplicity of the apparatus, is it not possible to supply a sufficient quantity in order to enable men to escape in cases like the recent disaster?

Mr. McKENNA

I can only give the information which I have, and that the earliest date at which this supply can be fulfilled is November next.

Mr. LEE

Can he say when the order was given for them to be supplied?

Mr. McKENNA

Will the hon. Gentleman put down a question?