§ 126. Commander Nobleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement on the recent mining of two destroyers; what further mine sweeping of the channel between Corfu and the mainland has been carried out since 22nd October; and with what result.
Mr. DugdaleYes, Sir. The damage sustained by H.M.S. "Saumarez" was very severe, and she may he a total loss. The damage to H.M.S. "Volage" was also severe, but it will be possible to repair her. On 12th and 13th November, His Majesty's minesweepers swept the North Corfu channel. During this operation 22 mines were cut, two of which were recovered and sent to Malta for detailed examination. I regret that I cannot make a further statement until the evidence produced by this examination has been fully considered.