§ 73. Sir J. Lucasasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in view of incidents in Portsmouth Harbour on Friday, 16th July, in which persons were in the water for an hour awaiting rescue, despite efforts by individual sailors from H.M.S. "Phoenix" and by the police, who themselves had to be rescued, he is satisfied that adequate rescue facilities are available in this area; and if he will take such action as is necessary.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI am satisfied that in the circumstances everything possible was done by the ships' company of H.M.S. "Phoenix" and, in particular, by the two sailors who, like the policemen, showed a commendable disregard for their own safety. I do not think that any other precautions are practicable in this remote part of the harbour.