HC Deb 16 May 1912 vol 38 cc1288-9
Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked (1) whether His Majesty's Government have taken or are taking steps, in communication with the Government of the United States of America, to ascertain the name of the tramp steamship, west bound, of about 5,000 tons burthen, and having a black funnel with a device in the band, which Captain Moore, of the Canadian Pacific Railway liner "Mount Temple," stated in his evidence at Washington that he had seen in the vicinity of the "Titanic's" position at 5 a.m. on 15th April; and (2) whether His Majesty's Government have taken any steps, in conjunction with the Governments of Canada, Newfoundland, France, and the United States, to ascertain the name of the small schooner which Captain Moore, of the Canadian Pacific Railway liner "Mount Temple," stated in evidence at Washington that he had met at 3.25 a.m. on 15th April, a very few miles from the scene of the "Titanic" disaster coming from the direction of the "Titanic's" last position and moving at the rate of about two knots an hour?

Mr. BUXTON

The question of the presence of these vessels in the vicinity of the scene of the "Titanic" disaster was dealt with in the evidence taken yesterday before the Court of Inquiry, but it does not appear that the names of the vessels could be given. All possible steps will be taken with the object of identifying these vessels.

Mr. SANDYS

In view of the fact that neither the owners nor the master of this vessel have come forward to make any statement, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any punishment or penalty attaching to the master of a British ship if he disregards an appeal for assistance?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of law and the hon. Member ought to give notice of it.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

May I ask if it is not of immense importance to find out the names of these two ships; and, that being so, will it not be easy, in communication with the Governments of Canada and United States, to find out the name of this tramp steamer which was certainly reported by the Captain of the "Mount Temple" as being in the vicinity of the "Titanic" at the time?

Mr. BUXTON

I have said that all possible steps will be taken.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

Are the Government taking any steps to find out, in communication with the United States Government?

Mr. BUXTON

The Board of Trade are.