§ 23. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the weight of the seaplane structure fitted to the M.2 submarine; if any difficulty in trimming for diving in the open sea or trimming in dock was experienced after fitting 1625 this structure; whether the provision of suitable surface escort, as provided in the early days of our submarine experimental work, has been abandoned; and, if so, for what reason?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe weight of the seaplane structure (hangar and catapult) fitted to the M.2 is 40 tons, compared with 120 tons in the same vertical position as originally designed for a 12-inch gun. Experience with the M.2 since she was fitted with the seaplane structure has proved that she was easy to control and trim under all conditions. In the early days of submarines, while they were still in the experimental stage, a surface escort was provided, but for over 20 years this precaution has been considered unnecessary except on those occasions when a submarine is carrying out trials of an experimental nature.
§ 24. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state the cause of the accident to the M.2 submarine?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLNo, Sir. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Captain North) on the 10th February. I would mention, however, that the weather conditions at the end of last week rendered it impossible to make progress with the salvage operations, and opportunity is therefore being taken to improve the salvage equipment of His Majesty's Ship "Ted-worth," from which the diving operations are conducted. Weather permitting, she will then return to the position of the wreck.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHave not the Admiralty, after all their experience with submarines, and in view of the development of the aeroplane, come to the conclusion that the submarine is unnecessary and obsolete?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI cannot see how that question arises out of the question on the Paper.
§ 25. Mr. GROVESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that steps are being taken in private quarters to raise funds to maintain the dependants of those members of His Majesty's Navy who died in Submarine M.2; and whether he will consider 1626 making such dependants a charge upon public funds and make arrangements accordingly?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI am aware that funds are being raised privately for the assistance of the dependants of those who lost their lives in the M.2. The Regulations already provide for the grant of pensions and allowances from public funds to the dependants of an officer or man whose death is attributable to the Service. In the present instance the claims of dependants are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible, and several awards have already been made. But the fact that provision in such cases is made by the State need not prevent, and never has prevented, the public at large from expressing their sense of obligation and their sympathy in a practical way.
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the ratings pay for the widows' pensions, but that by a decision of this House they are not allowed to receive them?