§ 61. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what precautions were taken to guard the "Upnor," whose cargo was seized off the South Coast of Ireland; under whose orders the "Upnor" proceeded to sea; under what circumstances the ship was captured on the high seas; and whether he can give any information as to where the cargo was conveyed to, if any of it has yet been recovered, and, if so, what amount?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)An inquiry has been ordered by the Admiralty, but the report has not yet been received, and I am, accordingly, not at present in a position to give a full answer. I desire to add, however, that the prompt action of the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Approaches in sending a destroyer and a sloop in pursuit, immediately he knew of the suspicious circumstances attending the sailing of the tug "Warrior," prevented the greater part of the cargo being removed from "Upnor."
§ Sir P. GOFFIs it customary, considering the present state of Ireland, for vessels to put to sea with such an important cargo without a proper escort?
§ Sir P. GOFFWere any precautions taken before she had got out?