13. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked if the Admiralty are satisfied with only one dry dock in the vicinity of the Carribean Sea, considering that it is not capable of lifting even second-class cruisers; and if the Admiralty, in view of the completion of the Panama Canal, will take steps without delay for the construction of a first-class dry dock, with all modern improvements, at Kingston, Jamaica?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe docking facilities in the West Atlantic, which includes Bermuda, are sufficient for existing naval requirements, and the Admiralty has no present intention of adding to them at the expense of naval funds.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not the case that his predecessor in office indicated in 864 this House that the Admiralty had under consideration the question of establishing a coaling station at Kingston, Jamaica?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot verify all these details, but the answer I have given embodies the view of the Admiralty on the matter.