§ Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any Report has been received from the expert sent to examine the position of the block-ships in Holm Sound and Water Sound, Scapa Flow; if so, whether he can state the nature of the Report and what action the Admiralty intend to take?
§ Mr. AMMONThe London Salvage Association courteously allowed their principal salvage expert, Captain David Berrie, to pay a special visit to Scapa Flow to make a personal examination of the condition of the block-ships in Holm Sound and Water Sound. Captain Berrie made a thorough local inspection and examination of the ships and of the local conditions, and afterwards had a meeting with the county clerk and members of the council at Kirkwall, at which the whole matter was discussed. The London Salvage Association have now forwarded a detailed expert report from Captain Berrie on the possibilities of salvage or complete removal of the block-ships. The conclusions come to in his report are that such salvage work as could be recommended, in order to make the passages clearer, would be attended with grave risks, and would have such uncertain results that no action could be reasonably recommended. In view of the nature of Captain Berrie's report, the Admiralty regret that they are only confirmed in their view that no further action can be taken in the matter. Captain Berrie's report is confidential, but if the hon. Member wishes, I shall be glad to show it to him, for his personal information.