HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc625-6
13. Mr. White

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to His Majesty'sSubmarine "Thetis"?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

As the hon. Member will be aware, the efforts of the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association to raise His Majesty's Submarine "Thetis" have been successful and I should like to express the Admiralty's appreciation of the efficient manner in which this difficult task has been completed. The submarine has been moved from the position in which she sank and is now beached in 37 feet of water. The bodies of the victims are now being removed, and as each is identified the relatives are consulted as to whether they wish the funeral to take place at Holyhead or at a place selected by themselves. Arrangements have been made to hold a series of public funerals at Holyhead at which due naval and civic honours will be paid. At a later stage, it will be necessary to lighten the submarine by pumping in compressed air so that she can be floated and left at low tide higher up the beach. The official entry can then be made to enable the Public Tribunal to ascertain further evidence as to the cause of the disaster. Mr. Justice Bucknill is being kept fully informed of the developments which have taken place so that his representative may be present at the official entry.

Mr. White

May I assume that in connection with these proceedings no expense will fall upon the relatives?

Mr. Shakespeare

That is so. The charges are falling upon the Admiralty.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is it intended to place the submarine in dock in order that an examination may be made there?

Mr. Shakespeare

I do not think it desirable to announce the future movements of this submarine.

Mr. Logan

Will the verbatim report of the proceedings in connection with this accident be circulated to Members of the House?

Mr. Shakespeare

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement in the Press that two funerals took place yesterday, at which the Admiralty were not represented?

Mr. Shakespeare

I was not aware of that.