HC Deb 04 May 1937 vol 323 c1002W
Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date or dates warnings were issued to British ships not to enter the port of Bilbao in consequence of the reports concerning insurgent mine-laying in the approaches to Bilbao received from officers commanding His Majesty's ships on 23rd January, 2nd February, 25th February and 22nd March.

Sir S. Hoare

On the 25th January, a warning was broadcast to British shipping to the effect that dangerous minefields were known to exist in the vicinity of Bilbao, and that swept channels should be used with extreme caution. The later reports referred to confirmed the information already broadcast.