§ 10. Sir R. THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information regarding several lumber-laden sailing vessels which have been reported as abandoned in the North Atlantic, but have not yet been reported as destroyed, and are causing anxiety to shipmasters working off the American coast; whether he is aware that derelicts loaded with timber are difficult to destroy without the use of explosives; and whether he will again consider issuing depth charges or other suitable explosives to ships trading on these routes?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERInformation as to derelicts is published by the Admiralty and by the 'United States Hydrographic Office; it is also broadcast to mariners through selected stations and published in the shipping press. I am unable to identify the particular reports to which the hon. Member refers, and should be glad if he will give me further information. I have again considered the hon. Member's suggestion as to the use of depth charges by merchant ships, and I am afraid it is not practicable.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it feasible, or possible, at all events, that the "Vestris" met her untimely end through one of these floating derelicts?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think it would be extremely unwise for anybody 206 to express an opinion as to what caused that unhappy casualty till we have had the fullest inquiry.
§ Sir R. THOMASHas the right bon. Gentleman not heard of the statements continually made by masters of steamers who have seen these wrecks floating about of their danger to shipping?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have answered that question. I have asked the hon. Member to supply me with some information.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not the case that a depth charge could not possibly sink a timber-laden ship?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not so sure that that would be so if it were expertly operated, but I am quite sure that in the hands of a crew inexperienced in the handling of high explosives the operating of a depth charge might prove to be more dangerous than the dangers arising from the presence of the derelict.
§ Sir R. THOMAS rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are spending too much time on this matter.