73. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has yet received a report on the accident at Bickleigh, Devonshire, in which Marine Roy Thomas Moran, 68, South Avenue, 135W Prescot, Lancashire, was drowned; whether he is satisfied that all reasonable precautions were taken; and if he will issue instructions that on all future occasions landing craft engaged in such exercises will carry lamps for use in emergencies.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThis tragic accident occurred during a routine night exercise in Plymouth Sound in which three dories and a landing craft were engaged. It was primarily due to an unexpected deterioration in weather conditions. I regret to say that one dory sank with the loss of two lives.
From preliminary reports I have received, I am satisfied that reasonable precautions were taken. I shall, however, consider whether any further safety measures are needed. Orders have already been issued that each craft must in future be provided with some means of showing a light in an emergency.
I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the sympathy of the Board of Admiralty with the relatives of those who lost their lives.