Mr. C. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been directed to the fact that on the 13th June the fishing boat "Pearl" was in collision with H.M.T. "Elise," and to the loss suffered by the fishermen thereby; and whether, in view of the fact that independent witnesses established that the "Elise" might have avoided the collision, the Admiralty will ex gratia consider the question of some reasonable compensation to the fishermen who have lost so much?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty are of opinion that the "Pearl" was to blame1260W for the collision, and the circumstances are not considered to warrant an ex gratia payment.