§ 92. Sir R. COOPERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what evidence the Lords of the Admiralty formed the conclusion that the "Hampshire" struck a mine?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe evidence is the considered conclusion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet after a full investigation into all the circumstances.
§ Mr. G. FABERWill there be an inquiry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere has been a Court of Inquiry.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the survivors of the "Hampshire" are not unanimous in the belief that the boat did strike a mine?
§ 93. Sir R. COOPERasked what precautions were taken by the Admiralty to safe guard the passage of the "Hampshire" off the West Coast of the Orkneys; and why such precautions failed in their purpose?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have nothing to add to the official statement published by the Admiralty on Saturday, the 10th of June. My hon. Friend will remember that that statement contained the following information: "It has now been established that the 'Hampshire' struck a mine at about eight p.m. on Monday last. The 'Hampshire' was accompanied on her voyage by two destroyers until the captain of the 'Hampshire' was compelled to detach them, at about seven p.m., on account of the very heavy seas."
§ Sir R. COOPERCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House and public some information as to whether the seas were swept previous to the passing of the vessel?
Sir H. DALZIELCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any information to the effect that a vessel flying the Dutch flag was discerned immediately before the "Hampshire" reached that particular spot, and is there any suspicion that she' was a mine-layer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have seen that in the newspapers, but I have no information.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say.
§ Mr. G. FABERCan the right hon. Gentleman say what became of the destroyers immediately after they left the "Hampshire"?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI presume they -went back to their station.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman clear up one point on which there is some public anxiety, that the destroyers went back at seven p.m. and the weather moderated subsequently? We are told that the destroyers and patrol boats went out and searched the spot at eight p.m.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI believe that is the fact, but I cannot say anything as to the weather.
§ 95. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the court-martial has yet taken place on the loss of His Majesty's ship "Hampshire"; if not, in view of the public interest in the matter, whether the Board will in this case revert to the former practice of holding a public court-martial; and whether he is in a position to state the wording of the order concerning the court-martial so far as it indicates the nature of the inquiry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll the facts having been elicited at an inquiry held by order of the Commander-in-Chief immediately the survivors could be got together, it is not considered necessary in this case to hold a court-martial.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the assurance given by the First Lord of the Admiralty that courts-martial would be held if ships were lost, why no court-martial 318 was held in this case? Is he aware that at a Court of Inquiry evidence is not taken on oath?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think my hon. and gallant Friend is wrong as to the First Lord having given an assurance that a court-martial in all cases would be held, but I will look into that point.
§ Commander BELLAIRSI will take the first opportunity I can to call attention to the neglect to hold a court-martial.