§ 14. Mr. MacVEAGHasked what are the types of lifeboat used on His Majesty's ships of war, and of what material they are composed; whether any changes in the types have been made in the last ten years; what is the number of lives lost on His Majesty's ships since the beginning of the War; and how many were saved by lifeboats carried by the ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe boats commonly used for life saving are the cutters and whalers, although all the boats carried—steam, motor and pulling boats—would be so used in case of emergency. These are all constructed of wood. I ought to add that in addition to the boats, special life-rafts, floats and buoys are provided which are capable between them of supporting large numbers of men in the water. Further, each man in the Navy is supplied, or is being supplied, with a life-saving appliance, either belt or waistcoat. The total number of officers and men who have lost their lives since the commencement of the War owing to the sinking of His Majesty's ships in which they were serving, including dockyard employés and mercantile ratings, is 6,409. These figures do not include the "Bulwark" and "Princess Irene." Figures are not available in regard to the last 375 part of my hon. Friend's question, but the number is certainly considerable in respect of the type of boats I have mentioned.