§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information regarding the reported sinking of the British steamer "Endymion" by a Spanish insurgent submarine?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Duff Cooper)Yes, Sir. We have received a report to the effect that the British steamship "Endymion" was sunk by a torpedo yesterday morning in a position 16 miles south of Cape Tinoso. Ten persons, including one woman, were drowned, and four survivors are reported to have reached Cartagena. The reported position in which the vessel was sunk is approximately 20 miles from the nearest of the routes which have been recommended to shipping as a result of the Nyon arrangement, and she did not carry wireless. As soon as information reached the naval authorities, immediate steps were taken to despatch the destroyers which were then patrolling that area to the scene of the attack.
§ Mr. AttleeIs any action going to be taken in regard to this attack on a British vessel on the high seas?
§ Mr. CooperThe question is receiving the immediate attention of His Majesty's Government, and no doubt action will be taken and a statement made.
§ Mr. AttleeIs it not usual to express regret at the loss of British lives?
§ Mr. CooperIt is perhaps usual to express regret, and I am sorry I omitted it, but I think that that regret goes almost without being expressed.
§ Miss WilkinsonNot from you.
§ Mr. David GrenfellIs it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman in his official position to call attention to the death of 10 British subjects while engaged on their legal duties, and does it not warrant a statement from him of condemnation of those who are guilty of the crime?
§ Mr. CooperCertainly, I think the whole House will agree with me in expressing our condemnation of this attack by a pirate.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderHas there been any diminution in the British naval strength engaged in patrol work during the last eight weeks, and, if so, is the right hon. Gentleman now, in view of this further outrage, satisfied that the naval strength is sufficient for the protection of British ships?
§ Mr. CooperIt was generally agreed between the Nyon Powers at the end of the year to reduce the amount of ships patrolling, but we are taking steps to increase the patrol at once.
§ Sir Arnold WilsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say who owns the ship, how long it has been on the British register, and in what circumstances wireless was not fitted in accordance with British law?
§ Mr. CooperThe ship belongs to a firm which has been in business for many years. It was not, I think, previously trading in Spanish waters. It was on this occasion carrying a cargo of coal to Cartagena. There is no law which insists on British ships of this tonnage carrying wireless.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Government take steps to see that proper compensation is paid to the dependants of the seamen who lost their lives, and will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that British seamen will be protected on the high seas when engaged in ordinary commercial pursuits?
§ Mr. CooperThe payment of compensation does not affect my Department, but I have no doubt steps will be taken to see that they are properly compensated. With regard to the protection of British lives, I assure the hon. Member that every possible step is taken. It is quite impossible to have a destroyer everywhere at the same time. On this occasion a 40 destroyer was only 38 miles away, and had the ship been provided with wireless and had it followed the course recommended, help might have been given.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand from that answer that the right hon. Gentleman is now placing the responsibility on the captain of the vessel concerned?
§ Mr. CooperNo, Sir—solely on those who are guilty of this crime.
§ Mr. GallacherAre the Minister and his supporters trying to find excuses for Franco for the murder of British seamen?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a form of supplementary question that I can allow.
§ Mr. ThurtleOn a point of Order. In view of the grave issues involved in this question and the urgency of it, will you, Mr. Speaker, not permit a few more supplementary questions?
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot permit a debate.
§ Mr. GallacherIt needs debate.
§ Mr. ThurtleWith great respect, I suggest that this is an extraordinarily important matter and that we might spend a few more minutes on it.
§ Commander MarsdenIn view of that, Mr. Speaker, may I ask one more supplementary question?
§ Mr. AlexanderI beg to give notice that, in view of the nature of the answers, we shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.