HC Deb 27 April 1951 vol 487 cc801-2

3.59 p.m.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

Mr. Deputy-Speaker, I wish, with permission, to make a statement.

I regret to inform the House that I have learned from Gibraltar that an atmament stores issuing ship, the "Bedenham," blew up at her berth in Gibraltar at 10 o'clock this morning. No detailed information is available and the cause is as yet unknown, but such information as I have indicates that there is reason to hope that the casualty list will not be heavy. All the crew of the "Bedenham" are safe, only one being injured——

It being Four o'Clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."[Mr. Bowden.]

Mr. Edwards

—but six other persons have lost their lives. There were only minor injuries to naval personnel. The extent of the damage to the dockyard and city is not yet known. I understand that a lighter which was alongside her also blew up.

I am sure that the House will wish to join with me in expressing our sincere sympathy not only with His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar but also with the next-of-kin of those killed and those who may have been unfortunate enough to be injured or to suffer damage to property.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas (Hereford)

We on these benches would wish to add our great sympathy to that expressed by the Civil Lord to His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar, and also to the next of kin of the dead and injured. May I ask the Civil Lord whether any of His Majesty's ships in harbour were damaged, and whether, once the Admiralty get time to begin their inquiry, he will make a further statement in the House as soon as possible?

Mr. Edwards

In reply to the second part of the question, we shall be pleased to give the House the fullest possible information, perhaps some time early next week. With regard to the first part of the question, I am assured that no damage affecting the seagoing efficiency of His Majesty's ships has occurred as the result of this incident.

Mr. H. Hynd (Accrington)

The House will be delighted to hear that only one of the crew has been injured, but as the Civil Lord said that there were some casualties, are we to take it that the crew were ashore at the time and there were other workers on board? If so, will that be fully investigated?

Mr. Edwards

I am afraid that I cannot go into details about the matter at the moment because this only happened a few hours ago. Of course, all these matters will be gone into at the inquiry.