§ 85. Colonel BURNasked the right hon. Gentleman if he will consider the suggestion that manœuvres with submarines could be more safely conducted nearer Torbay, with the Tallis as a base, instead of at Dover, where the sea-going traffic is much heavier and the risk consequently greater? I see the word "Tallis" is printed in the question. I do not know how it came there.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt probably means the Scilly Isles. I have recently stated that it is the practice, so far as possible, to avoid the risks incurred by submarines in much frequented waters; but the efficiency of the Service would suffer unduly if areas in which these craft may have to operate in war were wholly excluded. Perhaps I may add that the Straits of Dover, although very crowded in certain parts, are not crowded in other parts, and the parts where the exercises were carried out, I am informed, are very largely unfrequented by vessels. When the accident occurred the boats were not immersed, but were actually proceeding on the surface. I entirely agree with the view of the hon. Gentleman that the minimum of risk should be incurred, and I have given instructions to that effect.