68 Commander BLLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1), in view of the mention in the official narrative of the Battle of Jutland on pages 12 and 106 of a signal having been made at 2.30 p.m. by Sir David Beatty, and the authority being the signal log of H.M.S. "Barham," flagship of Admiral Hugh Evan Thomas, whether he can now state at what time the signal was logged as received, the text of the signal, and the method of transmission;
1642 (2), whether, in addition to the warning signal to the fifth battle squadron of the intention of Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty to turn to cut off the enemy, an executive signal was made to turn; and whether the signal was received by the flagship "Barham," of the fifth battle squadron?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)The signal referred to on pages 12 and 106 of the Official Narrative is recorded in the signal log of H.M.S. "Barham" as received at 2.30 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, by searchlight, from "Lion," the text being as follows:
Take up position now to form submarine screen when course is altered to S.S.E.The Executive signal to turn is recorded in the "Barham's" signal log as received at 2.37 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, by flags, from "Lion," the text being as follows:Alter course, Leaders together, remainder in succession, to S.S.E., speed 22 knots.I may add that between these two times the "Barham" had signalled to her own Destroyers:Take up station for screening on altering course to S.S.E.This signal is timed at 2.34 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, in the Log of H.M.S. "Fearless," Senior Officer of the Flotilla.
§ Sir H. CAUTLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether Admiral Harper's Report is to be published? I understand that it was an independent Report prepared for the Admiralty, and that it would settle all these points.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir. It has been decided not to publish that Report.