HC Deb 07 December 1937 vol 330 cc220-1W
Captain A. Evans

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the charts of his Department suggest that there is an unknown and uncharted danger to ships which pass through the Portland Race in stormy weather; and whether, in view of the evidence given before the inquiry into the loss of the steamer "Stancrest," he will investigate this theory, which has also been raised in connection with the loss of certain vessels in the past?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Moreover, the varying extent and position of the Portland Race are well known and are referred to on Admiralty charts and in the Channel Pilot: in particular, small vessels are warned of the danger of passing through the Race in stormy weather. In the circumstances an investigation such as that suggested appears to be unnecessary.