HC Deb 16 June 1915 vol 72 c660
32. Mr. GINNELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is possible to locate the wrecked "Lusitania"; if so, seeing how much the present inquiry would be assisted by ascertaining impartially what arms and ammunition were on board that ship, whether he will have the wreck examined by divers from a neutral country not financially interested in the ship?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I doubt whether it would be practicable to have such an examination made as is suggested in the question, and I hope that the Court of Inquiry into the loss of the "Lusitania" will find no difficulty in ascertaining all material facts by other means.

Mr. HAROLD SMITH

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to find out whether it is practicable or not?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes; I should not have said it was not practicable unless I had taken some steps and made inquiries. There is also the fact that those seas are not altogether free from enemy craft.