§ Mr. FELLasked whether Admiralty vessels may only render assistance in accidents where risk of loss of life is involved; and, if so, will he explain why on the 10th November His Majesty's ship "Halcyon" sent a boat with diver and apparatus to assist in the salvage of the steam drifter "Au Retour" which had been sunk at Lowestoft?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Article 1,881 of the King's Regulations directs that "all officers of His Majesty's ships are to afford every possible aid to vessels in danger, distress, or in want of casual assistance, and in saving life." The action taken by the "Halcyon" is as described in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. FELLArising out of that answer, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the instructions are sufficient to meet this case?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the hon. Gentleman refers to the King's Regulation 1,881, yes, certainly.