HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2210-1
9. Mr. KENNEDY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of any unusual circumstances connected with the sinking by enemy action of the steamships "Grelhame," "Grel Fryda," "Ballater," "Greltoria," "Greldon," and "Hartland," between the 30th of August and the 30th of November, 1917; whether he is aware that subsequent to the latter date a report was made on behalf of the owners reflecting on the good faith of certain persons who had access to information relating to the movements of the vessels mentioned; what action was taken by the authorities on the ground of that report; and with what result?

Mr. AMERY

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The last two parts do not, therefore, arise.

Mr. KENNEDY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the board of directors of the associated companies owning the vessels mentioned in this question there was a non-naturalised enemy alien, who held a seat on the directorate during the period mentioned in the question, and will that fact not induce him to inquire into the substance of this question, in order to find out whether there should not be some further investigation into this matter?

Mr. AMERY

I have investigated the circumstances. There was nothing in connection with the sinking of these steamers different from the sinking of other steamers, and I see no special reason for making further inquiries.

Mr. KENNEDY

Am I correct in assuming that the good faith of the enemy alien involved in this question was vouched for by Members of His Majesty's Government on the ground of special business reasons?

Mr. AMERY

I have heard nothing about that, but I will inquire.