HC Deb 15 May 1918 vol 106 cc330-1
6. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a certain steamer in February last was loaded in Belfast and ordered from there to Falmouth, from Falmouth she was ordered to St. Helens, from St. Helens back to Falmouth, from Falmouth to Penzance, and from there ordered to St. Nazaire; whether she was loaded at Belfast for St. Nazaire; and whether he can state who was responsible for ordering this steamer from port to port, thereby wasting time and tonnage and increasing risk to the vessel?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part of the question, the vessel was ordered to St. Helens by a misunderstanding, which is regretted.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this vessel was torpedoed?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, I am not.