HC Deb 06 November 1918 vol 110 cc2080-1
4. Mr. ALBION RICHARDSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any and, if so, what number of British passenger ships have been attacked by German submarines since the undertaking given by the German Government to President Wilson to abstain from such attacks?

11. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give the last date on which a vessel of British or other nationality was sunk by enemy action?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As regards attacks on British merchant vessels, we have no reliable and precise information. The last date on which a British ship or ship of other nationality was sunk by enemy submarine action was in the Mediterranean on 2nd November.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that a British merchant steamer, the name of which I have just given to him, was torpedoed in the English Channel and reached port only two days ago?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have no report of that, but I will take it from the hon. Member and make inquiries.

Mr. ALDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if any food ships have been sunk?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the last case of an Irish mail boat being attacked?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The last Irish mail boat sunk, as we know to our regret, was the "Leinster."

Mr. KILBRIDE

I said attacked, not sunk.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not know.