§ 87. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any further information concerning the sinking of His Majesty's ship "Formidable" than was contained in the announcement made public at the time of the event, when it was stated, on the authority of the Admiralty, that it was not certain whether the vessel was struck by a torpedo from a submarine or a mine?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs stated by my Noble Friend Lord Crewe in another place, the definite opinion of the Admiralty is that His Majesty's ship "Formidable" was sunk by two torpedoes fired from a submarine.
§ 88. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain to the House on what duty Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly's squadron was engaged at the time of the sinking of H.M.S. "Formidable"; whether any inquiry or court-martial has been held; and, if so, whether it is proposed to make public the result?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSir, I do not think there is any advantage to be gained by the discussion of this matter at the present time. It is not proposed to hold any formal inquiry nor to bring any person before a court martial. The Board of Admiralty have considered attentively all the circumstances and I have no statement to make.