Lieutenant-Commander CRAIGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that on the 9th February a floating mine was washed ashore off Ramsgate; that it did not explode upon stranding, and only did so some hours afterwards when the rising tide again reached it; whether the naval authorities were unable to render it innocuous owing to the lack of suitable tools; and, if so, whether issue of such tools has now been made, or will be made, without delay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAA mine was washed up on the rocks at Ramsgate near the coastguard station on the morning of the 8th February. Men were sent by the senior naval officer to render it safe, but owing to the position in which the mine was lying, it could not be moved in order to get access to the necessary mechanism without grave danger. The mine was therefore secured and experts sent for, but it exploded on the rising tide before their arrival. The beach had previously been cleared of people according to instructions. The necessary tools were not immediately available, but if access to the mechanism for rendering safe had been possible, it could have been accomplished with ordinary tools. A man experienced in rendering mines safe, together with the necessary tools, has already been attached to every coastguard station at or near a seaside town in localities where mines are likely to be washed ashore.