HC Deb 04 May 1927 vol 205 cc1606-7
22. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the decision that the Report on the battle of Jutland, commonly known as the Harper Report, is not to be published can, in view of the uncertainties in the public mind, be reversed?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

Owing to misconceptions which appear to exist as to the scope and nature of the work to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, it has been decided to issue what was known as the Official Record of the Battle of Jutland. This record was compiled by Rear-Admiral (then Captain) Harper and four other officers.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Will the narrative by Rear-Admiral Harper be in the same terms as those originally laid before the Board of Admiralty?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

It will be in the same terms as were approved by the Board of Admiralty.

Mr. AMMON

When the hon. and gallant Gentleman says "official statement," does he mean the one that has already been issued, published in 1924?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

It means the Harper report.