§ 70. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the "Queen Elizabeth" and a battle-cruiser were hazarded in the mine-field in the battle of the Dardanelles on 18th March, 1915, while several battleships were lost; whether sixteen months have elapsed without any dispatches being published in regard to this failure, and that this failure to publish dispatches is unprecedented in our naval and military history and has not occurred in this War in regard to any of our military operations; and what are the confidential reasons which prevent the Commander - in - Chief's dispatch being made public?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not proposed to publish any dispatch other than that contained in the Supplement to the "London Gazette." of the 16th August, 1915.
§ Admiral of the Fleet Sir H. MEUXIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer is viewed with a great deal of dissatisfaction throughout the Naval Service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf that is so, I can only regret it. It is the only answer I can give.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the Admiralty aware that there is no precedent whatever for the withholding of this dispatch?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid I can, add nothing to my answer.