§ 13. Mr. HOUSTONasked whether three further large steamers were torpedoed by enemy submarines at about the same place as those mentioned last week by the Member for West Toxteth; and how many steamers have been torpedoed at that place or vicinity during the months of December and January?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not in the public interest to give the information asked for in this question.
§ Mr. HOUSTONSeeing that they are torpedoed in the same waters, is it not about time that the Admiralty should give a different route?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should be very glad it toy hon. Friend would give us the advantage of his views, and come and discuss these questions with us.
§ Mr. HOUSTONMy view is to change the route.
§ 15. Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information regarding a certain steamship since she left Lamlash on or about 7th November last; and, if not, whether it must now be concluded that this steamer has been lost with all on board?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis vessel appears to have been in a convoy which was scattered by bad weather on the 76–8th November. Apart from this, nothing definite is known except that several dead bodies, supposed to be members of the crew, are reported to have been washed up at Islay.
§ Mr. HOUSTONHas not the right hon. Gentleman or his Department had any letters from wives and relatives of those on board this vessel, and is it not possible 1530 for him or his Department to give a definite answer to these anxious inquiries? Is the right hon. Gentleman surprised to learn that I have had many most pitiful letters addressed to me?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis is the first I have heard of it.