HC Deb 14 September 1914 vol 66 cc760-1
18. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the House any information as to the safety of the North Sea for ordinary shipping, and as to the methods which are being adopted by Germany to sow mines near to the English coast?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Instructions are issued from time to time to shipowners giving routes which can be followed without undue risk according to the latest information in the possession of the Admiralty. It would appear that the German method is to lay mines in the open sea without any regard to loss that may be caused to peaceful traders.

Mr. PIRIE

Has attention been given to the encouraged traffic in trawling by foreign trawlers between the Moray Firth and Dutch and German ports? Might not that traffic well be responsible for some of the mines?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot answer that.

Mr. PIRIE

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the question?