§ 16. Sir PHILIP SASSOONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the serious explosion of a mine on the South Coast, near Sandgate, on Sunday morning last, which resulted in the death of two coast-guardsmen and in the destruction of property in the neighbourhood to the estimated value of several thousands of pounds; and whether his Department is prepared to pay compensation to the relatives of those who lost their lives and to those whose property was destroyed?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMy attention has been called to the explosion referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, which resulted in the regrettable death of two Coast Guard ratings and in the destruction of certain property. The Coast Guard ratings appear to have lost their lives in the course of the performance of their duty, and the claims of dependent relatives will be dealt with by the Ministry of Pensions. The Admiralty cannot admit any liability for damage done to surrounding property by the explosion of mines washed ashore. The full report of the circumstances, however, is not yet to hand, but I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as it is received.
§ Sir P. SASSOONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any assurance that this matter will be pressed forward as soon as possible, because many of the sufferers in this explosion are placed in a position of complete ruin?
§ Sir J. CRAIGA report has already been asked for, and I do not anticipate 1215 any delay; but as the Admiralty cannot undertake any steps in connection with loss to the civil population, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question down to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.