§ 44. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the custom in the Navy with regard to holding a judicial inquiry following on the destruction of or serious damage to a war ship has been discontinued; and, if so, will he give the reasons that have led to such a course being taken?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The Board of Admiralty consider that it is not possible to lay down a rule on this subject in view of modern conditions. Each case must be judged on its merits, and the Board must exercise a complete discretionary power.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand that each case has been heard on its merits, and no case has arisen for any judicial inquiry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILCan the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what difference modern conditions of war make in this respect?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe conditions of modern war are altogether different from former wars. The losses which take place owing to mines and submarines are quite different from any losses that occurred in former wars. That has a bearing on the question of courts-martial, for the losses of ships in former wars nearly always involved an act of surrender, whereas nowadays a ship is destroyed and there is no question of the capture of the ship. That is only one of many considerations for naval experts.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making a further statement to the House on the subject?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI believe I am to bring in Navy Estimates next week, and these matters can be discussed then.