§ Captain PLUGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make any statement as to the explosion on the destroyer "Westcott," the loss of life, and the causes?
Lord STANLEYThe accident occurred as the result of the explosion of a small practice depth charge resulting in the death of one Able Seaman and injury to one Warrant Officer and nine other ratings. The injured were conveyed to Gibraltar Military Hospital. Four were retained there for treatment and the other six returned to their ship. Three of those retained in hospital are reported to be only slightly injured. The cause of the explosion will be fully investigated.