§ 7. Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether by Admiralty regulations vessels in convoy are compelled to carry stern lights; whether he is aware that on a recent occasion some thirty-five vessels left a French port and navigated in two columns or lines of ships, each ship in accordance with Admiralty instructions showing stern lights, with the result that the convoy had at night the appearance of a lighted esplanade; and will he explain how he reconciles these Admiralty instructions with his reflections upon British shipmasters and suggestions that they were responsible for exhibiting lights in a manner seeking trouble?
§ Dr. MACNAMARADimmed and shaded stern lights are used when circumstances render them necessary. As regards the statements made in the second part of the question, it has not been possible in the time at our disposal to verify these. But it is presumed that the vessels were showing lights ordered, as already stated.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling of dissatisfaction and discontent created in the minds of shipowners owing to the speech of the First Lord on the 5th of March?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat was in regard to showing lights against orders. This is in regard to lights shown by ships in a convoy. My hon. Friend is dealing with another matter.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill my right hon. Friend put this right, because it has caused a number of shipmasters to write to me?
§ 11. Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that he complained that masters of British vessels did not systematically adhere to Admiralty instructions regarding lights while navigating and the courses or routes to be followed, he is aware that vessels leaving French ports sometimes receive two different sets of instructions, one from the British naval authorities and the other from the French naval authorities; and whether he will make arrangements that only one set of instructions shall be issued to British shipmasters when sailing from these French ports?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty are not aware that vessels leaving French ports sometimes receive two different sets of instructions. If my hon. Friend will supply me with definite instances of this having happened, inquiries will be made.