HC Deb 02 April 1913 vol 51 cc359-60
6. Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to an article in the "British Review," written by Admiral Sir Percy Scott, Baronet; whether the signals published in the articles were confidential; and, if so, having regard to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, and in view of the injury likely to be sustained by naval discipline by such publication, whether he proposes to take steps in the matter?

8. Mr. KING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to an article in a current review, written by Sir Percy Scott, recalling an incident long since closed in which a difference of opinion between two high naval officers was paraded before the Fleet; and whether, having regard to the effect of such occurrences on the discipline of the Navy and on public confidence in our naval defences, he has taken any steps to reprimand the parties mainly concerned and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?

Dr. MACNAMARA

On behalf of my right hon. Friend, I will answer these questions. He must repeat what he said on the 19th of last month in reply to this sort of question, that he has no intention whatever of reviving or taking any part in the naval controversies of five years ago, and that it is not in the interests of the Service that they should be advertised.

Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

Did the Admiralty at the time of the incident point out that the publication of such signals was contrary to the King's Regulations and to Admiralty instructions, and were steps taken to find out who was responsible for the publication of the signals?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.

7. Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to who supplied detailed information to the new Director firing apparatus to the "Sphere" newspaper; and whether that information was formerly regarded as confidential?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The Admiralty have no information as to how the particulars in question were supplied to the "Sphere" newspaper. Undoubtedly particulars of such inventions in the naval service are treated as confidential, and their unauthorised publication is to be deprecated. In this case, however, the pictures were of no military value, were clearly not authentic, and would teach experts nothing.

Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

Is that the opinion of the naval experts in the Service. Have the Admiralty taken any trouble to find out who was responsible for publishing the information?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As to the first part of the question I have expressed the view of the Admiralty in my answer. As to the second I cannot say whether steps will be taken, but, generally speaking, the Press conform to our regulation.

Mr. EYRES-MONSELL

Will the Admiralty take steps to find out who supplied the information?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will look into the matter. SO far as I know no such steps have been taken.