HC Deb 09 July 1928 vol 219 cc1864-5W
Mr. HASLAM

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what rules govern response to requests by masters in the mercantile marine for naval assistance in cases of distress; and whether any change in the existing practice was made with the extension of wireless communication.

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The rules governing the response to requests by masters in the mercantile marine for naval assistance in cases of distress are laid down in Articles 896, 1771, 1941 and 1945 of the King's Regulations. The first section of Article 896 reads as follows: 896. Aid to Ships in Danger.—All officers of His Majesty's ships are to afford every possible aid to vessels in danger, distress, or in want of casual assistance, and in saving life. They are to use their best efforts to save and protect property on board any vessel in danger or distress and, if necessary, to remove such property to a place of safety. Public economy and policy, however, require that His Majesty's ships should not take action in this respect to the prejudice of any private ship which may be present and capable of affording effective help. The remaining Articles mentioned deal with the claims which may be made under certain conditions on account of hardships or losses suffered by the Naval personnel concerned, or for repayment for work actually performed or stores supplied. The extension of wireless communication results in calls frequently being received from very distant vessels, with the result that the Senior Naval Officer on the spot has to exercise his discretion as to whether the need for assistance justifies the dispatch of one of His Majesty's ships so long a distance. The difficulty, however, is one which must always be solved by the discretion of the officer dealing with the situation and cannot be brought under any settled rule.