HC Deb 10 October 1945 vol 414 c253W
Mr. Hogg

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make about the explosion in H.M.S. "Vanguard."

Mr. Alexander

Two men were killed and a third who was seriously injured has since died as a result of this tragic occurrence. Damage to the ship was only superficial. It has now been established beyond reasonable doubt that the explosion was caused by explosive methane gas which was being evolved owing to the sediment in the bottom of the basin in which the ship was afloat, and had entered certain compartments of the ship. The firm concerned has always been most careful in the precautions taken to prevent the accumulation of gases both toxic and inflammable. Every effort is being made to try and prevent the repetition of this kind of accident.