§ 111. Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any Report, or statement or Paper, on our methods and operations in connection with enemy submarines or work done in connection therewith was ever prepared for or by the Board of Admiralty, or by any Department, or member or official of the Admiralty, or by any member of any staff, or by any naval officer, and, if so, what was the date thereof; whether such Report or Paper, if prepared, was ever submitted or presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty or any individual member thereof, or individual connected with the Board of Admiralty; whether such Report, if prepared, or any portion of it. was ever transmitted, or given either in writing or verbally to any other British Government Department or individual connected therewith and, if so, which and when, or to any neutral Government, or any Department thereof or any individual connected with such neutral Government; and, if so, to which Government, or Department, or individual was it given or transmitted, and by whom, and on what date?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe matter, of course, is constantly engaging the attention of the Board of Admiralty and Admiralty Departments, and Papers on the subject are from time to time communicated to those concerned. If it is to be understood that some irregularity has come to the knowledge of my hon. Friend, I shall be much obliged if he will let me have particulars privately, and I will immediately see that a thorough investigation is made.
§ Mr. HOUSTONMight I ask my right hon. Friend to answer the question in paragraph 2?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think I have.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWhat I asked the right hon. Gentleman was "whether such report, if prepared, or any portion of it, was ever transmitted … to any representative of, or any individual in connection with, any Neutral Government?"
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know to what my hon. Friend refers. I have said that if any irregularity has come to my hon. Friend's notice and he will give me the information privately, I will have the matter fully inquired into at once.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the right hon. Gentleman absolutely withdraw the statement that two enemy vessels were sunk?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI assume that would be supplemental to another question?
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second paragraph in the question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice had better be given of any further question.