HC Deb 10 June 1915 vol 72 cc351-2
18. Mr. MACMASTER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what progress has been made with the Inquiry into the destruction of the "Lusitania" and the death of over 1,500 non-combatants on board; and when may the House expect to receive the official Report in regard thereto?

Captain PRETYMAN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Good progress has been made with the preliminary work in connection with the Inquiry, which will open on Tuesday next. I cannot say when the Wreck Commissioner will make his Report. The date naturally depends upon the time occupied in conducting the Inquiry and in the preparation of the Report.

Mr. FELL

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the growing feeling that the Board of Trade inquiry into the loss of the "Lusitania" should be postponed until after the War as the coroner's jury has already delivered its verdict, and the further information to be elicited by the proposed Inquiry must, owing to the War, be of a private nature and taken in camera, and if the Prime Minister can see his way to have the Inquiry postponed?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the decision that there should be an investigation into the circumstances of the loss of the "Lusitania," and that the facts should be placed on record has met with general approval, and I see no reason why the Inquiry, which has been fixed to open on Tuesday next, should be postponed or abandoned. The fact that it may be necessary to take in camera certain evidence which it is not desirable in the public interest to publish, does not affect the utility of the Inquiry—which could hardly be satisfactorily held if postponed until the end of the War.

Mr. FELL

Is it not the case that the Admiralty has all the information at its disposal which can be brought out at the Inquiry, and that to bring it out publicly or with closed doors would prejudice naval operations and could in no circumstances be beneficial?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must adhere to the answer I have already given. I have carefully considered it.