17. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the date when the use of phosphine in connection with the location of submerged submarines and torpedoes was tried by' his Department; what was the reason of the failure of the trials then; what further trials are now taking place; and what result has so far been obtained?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe use of phosphine for the location of torpedoes and submarines was considered by the 263 Admiralty in 1924 and trials took place in His Majesty's Ship "Vernon." The trials were not a failure but technical difficulties were encountered. Investigation was continued and trials are proceeding. Final results have not yet been obtained but the trials show promise that phosphine may prove a suitable alternative to existing indicating devices now in use in the Service.
Sir F. HALLCan the First Lord say why there has been such a lapse between 1924 and 1931–1932; and whether it is not a fact that the gas when emitted would cast a luminous light which would be seen at a very long distance and therefore would locate the position of submarines which met with accidents?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLOne of the qualities of phosphine is that it is rather dangerous to handle, and we are not at all satisfied with the results. I must remind my hon. and gallant Friend that we have other means of emitting smoke and light from submarines at the present moment.
Sir F. HALLDo we understand that steps are being taken and will be utilised very shortly in order that something may be effected for the location of submarines in the case of accidents?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLYes. Trials are proceeding as quickly as possible, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that there are many ways of indicating the presence of a submarine on the bottom.