§ 22. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked if, on the evening of 21st April, a party of ladies was taken over the torpedo-destroyer "Lawton" whilst lying in the Alexandra Dock, Newport (Mon.), and a torpedo was fired by one of the party across the dock, narrowly missing an Italian steamer and burying itself in the dock side; if so, what is the value of the damage done, including the value of the torpedo; and if it is within the regulations for parties of strangers to be shown over naval vessels during war time?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are practically as stated, except that the accident was not caused by one of the party, but 1248 was due to gross carelessness on the part of one of the crew, disciplinary measures for which are now being considered. The party consisted of four friends of a chief petty officer, two of them, I understand, being employés in the docks. The estimated damage has not yet been ascertained, and I do not think it would be in the public interest to give the value of the torpedo. The regulations admit of friends of the crew being shown round ships, during war, at the discretion of the commanding officer.