§ 72. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the story about the derelict U-boat has yet been reported on, and, if so, what conclusion has been come to; and whether the story was first told by a naval officer at a meeting at the Colston Hall about five weeks ago, at which the Parliamentary Secretary himself was present?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have endeavoured to trace this story to its origin. Fleet-Paymaster Collingwood Hughes appears to have heard it from more than one source. He should certainly have taken the opportunity afforded him in his official position to verify it. In our 1649 opinion the story is without foundation. As regards the second part of the question, Commander Sir Edward Nicholl, Royal Naval Reserve, certainly told the story in the course of a speech at a meeting at Bristol, at which I was present. I learn from him that he was present at an earlier meeting addressed by Mr. Collingwood Hughes in South Wales, and heard the story recited by him on that occasion.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhat steps have the Admiralty taken to stop inventions and tales like these, which do infinite harm in Germany and neutral countries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is a question to come before the proper authorities.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHas the form of the fairy tale told by Sir Edward Nicholl been investigated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know what my hon. Friend means. Sir Edward Nicholl told what he had heard.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhy was action taken when an obscure paymaster tells the story and gets reported, and not when Sir Edward Nicholl told the story?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI assume that when it was told by an officer of the Intelligence Department it had a more official character.
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo; I think he holds a commission as an officer of the Royal Naval Reserve, but nothing beyond that.