HC Deb 11 March 1918 vol 104 cc32-3
47. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the names of the members of the Committee whose duty it would be to consider inventions for combating the submarine menace; whether this Committee has been consulted as to the advisability of an offer being made by the Government of £250,000, or some other substantial sum, as a prize to an inventor who will devise some method of overcoming the menace; and, if not, whether he will ascertain the views of the Committee on the subject?

Mr. BONAR LAW

All promising inventions for combating the submarine menace come under the personal consideration of the Director of Experiments and Research and the Director of the Anti-Submarine Division of the Naval Staff, and are investigated under their direction by experts specially selected by them according to the nature of the inventions, which take many different forms. I am informed that these officers have been consulted but are not in favour of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Have they any other duty to perform but the special, specific duty of combating the submarine menace?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Board is devoting itself entirely to that purpose.

Mr. BILLING

How often does the Board meet?