HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc920-1
71. Mr. Logan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can yet state whether all hawsers and apparatus are now ready and when do they intend to attempt salvage of the "Thetis"?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Colonel Llewellin)

The preparations for a further attempt to salvage His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis" have been completed by the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association. A suitable lifting craft, the steamship "Zelo" has been chartered and the necessary hawsers obtained. In addition His Majesty's Ships "Ted-worth," "Hebe," "Gleaner" and "Speedy" are available to assist the salvage operations. The lifting craft is now present at the wreck and operations will commence as soon as the weather conditions are suitable.

Mr. Logan

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware of the unseemly paragraphs which have appeared in the Press in regard to the question of the raising of this boat on account of a strike over pay, and will he get in touch with the persons concerned and see that proper arrangements are made in regard to those who are doing this dangerous job?

Colonel Llewellin

I will certainly inquire into that matter. It has not been brought to my personal knowledge, but statements of that sort are to be deprecated.

Mr. McGovern

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware of the great indignation throughout the country that this ship has not yet been salvaged; and are we to take it that these preparations are typical of the preparations which the Government are making in the event of war?

Colonel Llewellin

If the hon. Member is correct it is because people generally do not realise the difficulties in getting a ship of this sort afloat once she has been submerged, but all possible preparations have been made, and the House may rest assured that the work will commence as soon as weather conditions are favourable.