asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a fishing boat having been lost owing to striking in the dark the wreck of a block-ship in Weddel Sound, Scapa Flow, the Admiralty has refused to consider the payment of compensation to the owner; whether he is prepared to reconsider that decision; and whether he can state what steps the Admiralty intend to take to guard against such occurrences in the future?

The question of liability for any damage which may arise from the presence of the block-ships has already been fully considered, and the Admiralty have been advised that no responsibility can attach to them in the matter of such damage. I regret, therefore, that the Admiralty are unable to reconsider the decision in regard to the alleged loss of the fishing boat.

Is it the intention of the Admiralty to maintain this blockade of wrecks round the island and not pay compensation to those who suffer damage from them?

I have answered many questions put by the hon. Member on this subject, and I have pointed out that we are advised that the waterways and the channel are well open and suitable for the navigation of the district.

Have steps been taken to buoy the channel, so as to indicate to fishermen where they can safely go?

Every step has been taken to make navigation quite safe.

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.