HC Deb 04 June 1919 vol 116 cc1980-1
7. Commander BELLAIRS

asked whether any court-martial was held to inquire into the circumstances under which a single submarine sunk the patrol squadron consisting of the "Cressy," "Hogue," and "Aboukir"; whether the three ships were stationed by order of the Board of Admiralty as a whole or by the orders of particular individuals; and, if so, who was made responsible for the great loss of life needlessly entailed?

Mr. LONG

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The orders under which these ships were stationed were part of the war dispositions approved and issued by the naval authorities at that time responsible.

Commander BELLAIRS

Was there a Court of Inquiry held?

Mr. LONG

I think there was, but I am not quite sure. The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of that question.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will my right hon. Friend, in that particular case, give the findings of the Court of Inquiry, in view of the fact that the Court of Inquiry I understand blamed the Admiralty?

Mr. LONG

I cannot say that that is involved in the question. If the hon. and gallant Member wants information, he must put a question on the Paper.

Viscount CURZON

Were these ships operating under the orders of the Admiralty or of the. Commander-in-chief of the Grand Fleet?

Mr. LONG

I should say certainly the Admiralty, though obviously that is not a matter that should be put in a supplementary question.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—who was made responsible for the great loss of life entailed?

Mr. LONG

I think that the answer is obvious. The Admiralty of the day issued the orders, and if casualties occurred they profoundly regretted them, but I do not think it fair to suggest that they should be brough to book about all that.