HC Deb 10 February 1932 vol 261 cc834-5
22. Captain NORTH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is able to make any further statement with regard to the loss of the M 2?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

As already announced in the Press, M 2 was eventually located at about 8 p.m. on the 3rd February in a position approximately six miles north-west of Portland Bill. The sweeping operations had on earlier occasions revealed four obstructions in the immediate vicinity of the lost submarine, which on examination by divers had proved to be old wrecks. Had she not been lying among these, M 2 would no doubt have been located several days earlier. The depth of water and the strength of the tides are hindering diving operations, but up to the present it has been ascertained that the upper conning tower hatch and the hanger door are open, and that the forward, midship and after upper-deck hatches are closed. There are still two other hatches to be examined, namely, the lower conning tower hatch and the hatch leading from inside the hangar into the submarine. There is not yet sufficient evidence to determine the cause of the loss of the vessel. It has been decided that salvage operations are to continue while the weather permits. The services of Mr. E. F. Cox of the well-known salvage firm of Messrs. Cox and Danks have been accepted in an advisory capacity, and he is now at Portland assisting the Rear-Admiral, Submarines.

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

Have the Admiralty made any decision as to re-commissioning this ship when she is salvaged?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No, Sir.