HC Deb 16 February 1914 vol 58 cc579-80
71. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can inform the House to what depth submarines of the "A" class can dive with safety; what is the depth of water in Whitsand Bay where the submarine A7 lies; and could a vessel of the "A" class dive to that depth without risk of any kind?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Submarines of the "A" class are periodically subjected to the same tests as submarines of other classes; and during the last two years have been equipped with powerful electric pumps capable of dealing effectively with water at a great depth. They have now a large margin of safety at a depth of 150 feet. The depth of water in Whitsand Bay, where submarine A7 is lying, is twenty-three fathoms. Submarines of the "A" class have been exercising constantly during the last ten years in this area, and in greater depths of water, and this is the only fatal accident which has occurred to a British submarine while diving, except through collision.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in submarines previously lost something went wrong and that it was shown that a greater depth was necessary.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Noble Lord might put a question down.

72. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a lighter of the type which raised submarine A8 would be able to raise submarine A7; will he say what dead weight lighter 94 can raise; what dead weight lighter 96 can raise; what is the estimated dead weight of submarine A7 now that she is full of mud, and what dead weight will the new lighter which it is proposed to station at Devonport be able to raise?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is considered that mooring lighters of the type used for raising A8 should be able to raise A7. The answer to the second part of the question is 270 tons; and to the third part, 450 tons. The dead weight, when completely filled with water, is about 160 tons. It is impossible to estimate the dead weight if, as suggested, the submarine is full of mud. The reply to the last part of the question is 270 tons.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that lighter 94 was not sufficiently powerful to raise the submarine if it was full of mud?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is impossible to estimate the dead weight if the submarine was full of mud. How the submarine got full of mud I cannot suggest.