HC Deb 31 January 1934 vol 285 cc337-8
8. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make with regard to the grounding of His Majesty's Ship "Nelson"?

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

As the report of the Court of Inquiry has not yet been considered by the Board, I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement in regard to the grounding. After the grounding, the ship was detained by a succession of very strong westerly winds. I should explain that Portsmouth harbour is not a base but a repair port. Ships do not go up Portsmouth harbour if likely to be urgently required for sea. Spithead is, and always has been, the base anchorage on that part of the coast.

Mr. ADAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman in any event ask the captain to steer this extremely expensive craft a little more carefully?

HON. MEMBERS

Withdraw! Shame!

Commander MARSDEN

Was not the pilot in charge of the ship?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

There was a pilot on board.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact—it would, I hope, be ascertained by the inquiry, but is it not a fact that this is a most experienced and capable officer, one of the most experienced in His Majesty's service?

Mr. PERKINS

Who is responsible for navigating a ship of this nature out of Portsmouth, the pilot or the captain?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The captain is always responsible for the safety of the ship, whether there is a pilot on board or not.

11. Commander MARSDEN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to an aerial photograph of the recent grounding of His Majesty's Ship "Nelson," published in the "Daily Herald" of 13th January; and whether, as the grounding was apparently within the prohibited area of the port, permission was given for the photograph to be taken?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

I have seen the photograph to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. Permission was not obtained for taking this photograph, and the matter is receiving my attention.

Commander MARSDEN

May I ask whether permission was refused?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

Permission was not asked by this particular paper. It was asked by another paper.