HC Deb 15 April 1918 vol 105 cc27-9
31. Sir F. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any inquiry has been made into the report that when the hospital ship "Glenart Castle" was sunk the German submarine fired on the occupants of the ship's boats after they had left the vessel; and, if no inquiries have been made, will he take steps to forthwith elucidate whether there is any truth in the report?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No report of the submarine having fired on the occupants of the ship's boats appears in the official papers dealing with inquiries held into the circumstances attending the loss of the ship.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that there was a report that one of the junior officers was wounded both in the neck and in the thigh, and that such wounds could only have occurred if they had been fired at in the boats themselves; and will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made to see if there is any truth in that?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have seen the statement in the newspapers to which, no doubt, my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but nothing in the official papers.

Sir F. HALL

If the right hon. Gentleman saw that report, may I ask whether he made inquiries into the matter, and, if not, why inquiries were not made?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I inquired this morning, but if my hon. Friend wants further inquiries made, I will make them.

Sir F. HALL

Will you make them, and let me know?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes.

Sir F. HALL

Thank you very much.

49. Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister what action it is proposed to take in view of the continued attacks by the Germans on our hospital ships; whether it is proposed to reconsider the decision not to place German officers on British boats in view of the enemy's refusal to adhere to international usage in this matter and agreement made by them since the War; and if not, whether he will state the reasons for refusing to do so, in order that our wounded sailors and soldiers may appreciate the grounds of policy which make it necessary to subject them to these practices without the only form of protection which experience has shown would be likely to influence enemy action?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot add anything to previous answers on this subject.

Sir F. HALL

What possible disadvantage can there be in placing on our hospital ships a certain number of German officers?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I said in answer to a supplementary question, when the subject was raised before, that it was quite obvious that you cannot discuss in the House the reasons for and against such a proposal.