§ 36. Mr. COCKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement regarding the circumstances attending the death of the late Captain Carey of the "Discovery"; and why the inquiry held by his Department into the matter is being held in private?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThis inquiry was held under Section 690 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, under which the Mercantile Marine office superintendent at the port of discharge is required to verify the statement in the log as to the cause of death. Inquiries of this kind are not held in public. The superintendent confirmed the log entry: "Lost overboard, presumed drowned." It is surmised that Captain Carey, who was suffering from a nervous breakdown, left his cabin in the early morning of 2nd May, and, in a dazed condition, fell overboard.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman in a position to deny the rumours that have beer spread about in connection with This matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEOne cannot always pay attention to rumours in answer to a Parliamentary question. I have given the findings of the court.