HC Deb 21 March 1932 vol 263 cc700-1
65. Mr. TINKER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is in a position to make a further statement in respect of the submarine M2?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)

His Majesty's Ship "Tedworth" resumed operations on the wreck on 5th March. The services of Mr. E. F. Cox have been accepted in an advisory capacity until the salvage is successfully completed. Since my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton on the 10th February, diving operations have brought to light the: following additional facts: The hatch leading from inside the hangar into the submarine is wide open and one body was jambed inside the hangar. This body has been landed at Portland, where an inquest is being held to-day (Monday). It must be appreciated that the strong tides and the depth of water render diving operations extremely difficult, and only possible during the periods of slack water. In addition, owing to the exposed position, it is only possible to moor His Majesty's Ship "Tedworth" over the wreck in calm weather. As a result, it has only been possible to carry out approximately 33 hours of actual diving between the 5th and the 20th of March inclusive. Work will proceed on every possible occasion, but progress will of necessity be slow due to the reasons already stated. Sufficient evidence as to the exact cause of the loss of the vessel has not yet been obtained.