§ 20. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many and which of Her Majesty's ships have been lost by accident at sea during the last 10 years, owing to their design, construction and manner of loading; and what progress has been made in these respects to protect Her Majesty's ships from such accidental catastrophes.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe answer to the first part of the Question is one—H.M. Submarine "Sidon", almost exactly 10 years ago, on 16th June, 1955. She sank after a torpedo had exploded prematurely. The accident was due to incorrect loading of the torpedo, and shortcomings in its design. This type of torpedo was not used again until several modifications and alterations had been carried out.
§ Mr. HughesIs my hon. Friend aware that these incidents demand urgent technical investigation to prevent recurrence, because they involve loss to the Navy? Can he say what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence?
§ Mr. MallalieuPerhaps my hon. and learned Friend did not hear the reply. It is not "incidents", in the plural, but "incident"—one; and immediately this happened, modifications and alterations were made.