HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 c369
17. Mr. Thorne

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give the House any information in connection with the death of the man Marples who was found in the sealed cabin on board the aircraft-carrier "Furious," stationed at Plymouth; and whether the wallet that was taken from his pocket has been found?

Mr. Cooper

The verdict at the inquest was that the deceased died from shock and haemorrhage on 23rd November following a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain as the result of an accidental fall down the ship's ladder on the previous night. The cabin was not sealed, and though Mr. Marples is stated to have been in the habit of carrying a wallet there appears to be no evidence that it was on his person at the time of his fatal accident.

Mr. Thorne

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of the commandant in connection with this wallet and its disappearance?

Mr. Cooper

I have read the report and all the evidence given at the inquest.