§ 23. Mr. AMMONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to reported defects in the machinery of submarine Ml, which was lost with all hands on Thursday the 12th instant?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANSubmarine "Ml" completed a refit on 15th June, 1925, and the subsequent trials were entirely satisfactory. On 7th July, 1925 "M1" joined the 5th Submarine Flotilla and from that date has carried out the usual exercises at sea. Since the completion of the refit, no defects to the hull or machinery have been experienced. I may add that this submarine belonged to a class which is universally recognised by officers who have had experience in submarines as being exceptionally good in the matter of underwater control.
§ Mr. AMMONHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement made by the late engine-room artificer Bell, who went down with the vessel, to the effect that a short time before this accident the ship while at exercise was in great difficulties, and only with difficulty managed to make port; also a statement made by the sole survivor of the crew to the effect that the vessel was in difficulties some time ago, and had to get back to port on one engine?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir, I have not see these statements, but I will inquire about them.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill not the usual court of inquiry be held into the loss of this vessel?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, a court of inquiry is being held, and every question relating to the cause of the disaster will be gone into.
§ Mr. HAYESIn the course of this inquiry, will inquiry be made of the relatives of the unfortunate crew, in view of the statements alleged to have been made to the relatives by members of the crew prior to the accident? I shall be glad to submit to the First Lord information that has come to me from one of the relatives.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWas this submarine equipped with any appliances whereby it might make its position known?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, they have all appliances for signalling. I shall be glad to receive any information that will help in any way in discovering the cause of the accident.
§ 25. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the widows and orphans of the crew of the Ml will receive pensions, and at what rate; and if such will be independent of the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act after January, 1926?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe widows and orphans of the crew of H.M. Submarine M.1 will be awarded pensions under the conditions set out and at the rates provided in Order in Council of the 7th November, 1924. Their position under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, will be governed by Section 24 of that Act.
§ Sir B. FALLEDoes that mean that the widows and orphans of the men who have given their lives for King and country will not be in a better position than the widows and orphans of the man who dies in his own bed at home?
§ Mr. WALLHEADWhat about the widows and orphans of the men in the pits?