§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied that the failure of the "Titanic" to deliver its mails was, in accordance with the terms of the contract with his Department, caused by circumstances over which control could not be exercised, or whether he proposes to make any claim against the owners of the vessel in connection with the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELPending the report of the statutory Court of Inquiry I am not in a position to make any statement in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask whether, as the mail contracts with these ocean liners in express terms provide for prudent navigation, he will be prepared to lay a copy of the contract before the House, or instruct the Attorney-General to put it in in the course of the "Titanic" Inquiry?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is not for me to instruct the Attorney-General in a matter of that kind. If the Court requires the contract it will be put in. The contract has already been laid before Parliament.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say it is not his business to instruct the Attorney-General to put in a copy of a document, because if he says so he is quite wrong.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is not my duty to interfere with the procedure of the Court.