§ 1. Mr. HOLTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has caused the Censor to prevent the publication of news of damage to or loss of British merchant vessels by mine or submarine; and whether, in view of the responsibility incurred by shipowners in sending their vessels on dangerous voyages, he will give an assurance that no information regarding disasters to trading vessels shall be withheld?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The Censor is guided in his action by the instructions he receives from the Admiralty, and announcements are made by him in accordance with these instructions. No such news has been suppressed, though the time of publication necessarily depends upon circumstances of which the Admiralty alone are the judge. Arrangements are made whereby the news of damage to or loss of British merchant vessels is communicated to the owners and Lloyd's at once. The immediate publication of individual losses would be of little assistance to the safety of the mercantile marine apart from the precautionary measures taken by the Admiralty. So far every loss has been published.