His Majesty's Submarine"thetis."

Oral Answers to Questions — Post Office. – in the House of Commons am ar 12 Mehefin 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the salvage of the"Thetis"?

Photo of Mr Neville Chamberlain Mr Neville Chamberlain , Birmingham, Edgbaston

As I informed the House in reply to a question by the right hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood) on Thursday, 8th June, the salvage of His Majesty's Submarine"Thetis" has been temporarily suspended pending the provision of additional appliances. Since then a conference, which the Controller of the Navy attended, has been held at Liverpool to discuss the methods of salvage and it was decided that as the work might seriously interfere with the other responsibilities of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association should take control of future operations. Naval assistance, including naval divers, will continue to be available. Salvage operations will recommence as soon as possible, but it may be some two or three weeks before the necessary gear for another attempt has been obtained.

Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

May I ask whether the"Thetis" had been commissioned for these trials, and, also, in the event of Messrs. Cammell Laird and the underwriters deciding to abandon the salvage of the vessel, will the Admiralty take over the work and raise the vessel?

Photo of Mr Neville Chamberlain Mr Neville Chamberlain , Birmingham, Edgbaston

I should like to have notice of those questions.

Mr. Alexander:

In view of the delay which it is always possible might happen in the salvage, will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that the public inquiry should be opened forthwith?

Photo of Mr Neville Chamberlain Mr Neville Chamberlain , Birmingham, Edgbaston

I shall be making a statement on that later.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

Are we to understand in regard to this question of hawsers that salvage work of this description was undertaken without apparatus which was absolutely necessary in order to raise such a vessel; and are we still waiting for the requisite hawsers?

Photo of Mr Neville Chamberlain Mr Neville Chamberlain , Birmingham, Edgbaston

I am not sure what the position is about that. It is clear that the apparatus which was first used was inadequate for the purpose in view of the conditions which now exist.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

Is the Prime Minister able to say whether the special firm which has now got the job has the complement of material necessary, or have we to wait another length of time?

Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that public opinion expects this vessel to be raised and would be extremely uneasy if there were any failure to do so, especially in view of the success which attended the raising of the German vessels at Scapa Flow?

Photo of Mr Neville Chamberlain Mr Neville Chamberlain , Birmingham, Edgbaston

The Government also expect the vessel to be raised.