26. Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason why at this juncture a special warning has been issued to mariners with regard to unexploded mines now lying on the bottom of the ocean; whether any incidents have occurred to bring to the notice of the Admiralty the imminence of this risk; and how many of these unexploded 955 mines have been recovered in the last 10 years?
§ Mr. AMMONAn Admiralty notice to mariners has been published annually since the War containing a special warning with regard to unexploded mines, in view of the possibility of danger to shipping. Admiralty records show that 72 unexploded filled mines have been trawled up or washed ashore in the British Isles since 24th March, 1926, from which date records are available. This number includes nine mines during the latter half of 1930.
§ Mr. ALBERYIn view of the fact that certain definite localities are indicated, is anything being done to clear them?