§ 68. Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty what steps, if any, he intends to take to provide convoys for ships trading to and from Ireland and Great Britain; and if he will take steps to secure protection for all ships?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)It is not in the public interest to state the measures adopted for the protection of shipping.
§ Mr. LYNCHAlthough the exact measures cannot be stated, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that efficient protection is being given?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs far as our means permit, the utmost protection is given.
§ 69. Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, if his attention has been drawn to the defence of the crew of a steamship of Dublin when attacked by a submarine in the Irish Sea on the 2nd January, 1918; and if he is aware that it is claimed by the crew that owing to their encounter the submarine has been captured; and if he will say whether the Government or the owners propose to reward these seamen?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAReports have been received of the encounter of this vessel with an enemy submarine on 2nd January. The submarine was not captured but continued operating. Further inquiry into the circumstances of the encounter is being made.