§ Mr. STANTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if H.M. Submarine K5, which was lost on 20th January last, was fitted with air-locks or any form of safety chambers; was the Siebe-Gorman safety-helmet and suit in use and in readiness for the crew; what steps does the Admiralty propose to take with a view to making more safe the lives of men engaged upon submarines; are there any practical inventions being considered upon the above; and will the Admiralty at once invite the same by a tempting reward?
§ Sir J. CRAIGAir-locks and safety chambers have not been fitted in submarines for a considerable time, as it is considered that they would be of no practical use in an emergency. Siebe-Gorman helmets are not carried in submarines, as they are useless except in very shallow water. Improvements, new ideas and apparatus are constantly being tried and fresh experiments made with the object of rendering safer the lives of personnel in submarines, and additions and alterations are always being effected with that end in view. As fresh ideas are constantly being submitted, the offer of a reward is not considered necessary.