§ 6. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the inquiry into the loss of the "Hampshire" was of an almost informal character, he will consent to a formal inquiry with a view to relieving public anxiety as to the cirumstances in which Lord Kitchener met his death?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)No, Sir. The statements issued to the Press in June, 1916, gave a circumstantial narrative of the loss of this vessel. It is not considered that further inquiry could disclose fresh facts. I think I am entitled to say that my hon. Friend, in the use of the phrase, the "almost informal character," puts a construction upon that phrase not altogether justified after reading the whole of the answer of 1st April, 1919.