HC Deb 17 February 1919 vol 112 cc543-4
48. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that the day after the declaration of war a German ship was caught in the mouth of the Thames laying mines; and if the captain of that ship was in possession of a pilot's certificate for those waters granted him by the Board of Trade?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

I have been asked to answer this question. My hon. Friend apparently refers to the German man-of-war, the "Konigin Luise," an auxilitary cruiser, sunk south of Harwich while engaged in mine-laying on 5th August, 1914. I am informed by the Board of Trade that neither the captain nor any other officer of this vessel held a British pilot age certificate.

Sir A. FELL

Is it not a fact that there was a captain, though he may not have been in command of the ship, who was in possession of a certificate?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am advised by the Board of Trade "neither the captain nor any other officer," but I will make further inquiry.

Commander Sir E. NICHOLL

Would it not be possible for steps to be taken to cancel all foreign pilots' certificates?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That is not the question put down.