§ 4. Mrs. Middletonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the incident of alleged sabotage to H.M. Submarine "Tallyho," occurring at Devonport Dockyard.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsOn 17th June last a handful of sand was found in the main propelling machinery of H.M.S. "Tallyho," 446 a submarine of the Reserve Fleet which was undergoing a refit in Devonport Dockyard. Though investigations are not yet complete, it appears probable that the sand was placed there deliberately by some irresponsible person in a clumsy attempt to cause damage to the machinery of the submarine. In fact, no damage was caused.
§ Mrs. MiddletonCan my hon. Friend tell us when a full report on this incident is likely to be forthcoming, and whether the somewhat alarming reports that have appeared in the local Press and in other sections of the Press about this incident have been justified by the inquiries made so far?
§ Mr. EdwardsI cannot give a definite date as to when the inquiries will be completed because, as I am sure the House will realise, inquiries into these matters must necessarily take a long time, and sometimes cover a wide field. I must say that I think the reports in the Press were a little over-exaggerated. We have no evidence at the moment of attempted sabotage, and we would prefer to describe it as malicious damage.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs not the use of the word "irresponsible" rather out of place? Surely an action of this kind could only have been taken deliberately by somebody who knew what he was about?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not think the word was out of place, and I still think it was an irresponsible action. The person concerned must have been most irresponsible to have done such a silly trick, which did no real damage to the ship.