26. Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make as to the progress of the salvage of His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis"?
§ 32. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the attempts to salve the "Thetis"?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)The question of what further steps should be taken to salve His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis" is being considered by all the parties concerned, in the light of the recent unsuccessful attempt to lift the submarine.
Mr. AdamsMay I take it that there is no intention of abandoning the efforts at salvaging this boat?
§ Mr. ShakespeareOur only desire is that this submarine may be salved as soon as possible.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherAre any charges falling upon public funds at the present time in connection with these attempts at salvage; also, in the event of the underwriters who are financing them being no longer able to defray the expenses of the salvage, is it the intention to assist the attempts at the public expense?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThat is a hypothetical question and I would rather the hon. and gallant Gentleman put it on the Paper; if I say that we are taking every step to see that the "Thetis" is salved, perhaps that will satisfy the hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ 29. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, whilst recognising that differentiation in pensions to the dependants of the "Thetis" disaster as between officers and other ratings is a matter of Service practice, he will instruct the representative of the Royal Navy on the committee responsible for the disbursement of moneys now being received in response to public appeal, to try to secure that no such differentiation shall be made in respect of those disbursements?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThis matter is one for decision by the council which has been set up by the Lord Mayor to administer the fund referred to, and I do not consider that it would be proper for me to issue instructions in the sense proposed by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GreenWill the Parliamentary Secretary see that the Naval representative on this committee at least raises the question, in order to get it considered?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI think they can be trusted to see that justice is done.
§ Mr. LoganIs not a principle at stake, and should there not be intervention in order to see that this public fund is administered so as to prevent people having to seek Poor Law assistance because of the loss of their relatives?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI am sure that will be prevented.