§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence why representatives of the media were informed by officials of his Department that HMS "Sheffield" had been scuttled, in view of the statement issued by his Department the following day to the effect that the vessel sank under tow in severe weather; whether disciplinary action was taken against those responsible; and what was the character of any such action.
§ Mr. BlakerAs I told the House in answer to questions from the hon. Members for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) and Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on 20 and 23 July respectively, HMS "Sheffield" sank under tow in heavy weather. I know of no statement by my Department to the contrary.—[Vol. 28, c.122 and 340.]