§ DR. KENNY (Cork, S.)(for Dr. TANNER) (Cork Co., Mid) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Why the southern bank at the eastern end of the floating dock at Haulbowline is left unfinished; why is this part of the dock not built up and protected with masonry, as has been done for the remaining three sides of the western portion of the southern side (enclosing the entrance to the dry dock); if the unfinished portion is the site of entrance to the proposed, but now abandoned, second dry dock; what will be the length and depth of channel required to be excavated and dredged in order to permit the passage of ships from the channel of the river to the floating dock; what class of ships of war will the floating dock accommodate; how long will it take to complete the above-mentioned channel; and,.what class of ships of war will the dry dock accommodate?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The reason why the southern bank was left unfinished is because it would be the site of the entrance to a second dry dock, if one should ever be required. This second dry dock was never actually proposed to be carried out, though room was left for it. Its construction has, therefore, not been abandoned. The length of the channel to be made to permit the passage of ships from the channel of the river to the floating dock will be about 200 yards, and 20 feet in depth of mud will have to be excavated. It is calculated that it will take about 12 working months to complete this work. The floating and dry docks will accommodate any ship in Her Majesty's Navy.
§ MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)asked, if they had begun to dredge the entrance to the docks?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONsaid, he could not say; but money had been taken for the purpose in the present year.
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONsaid, it would be carried out before the end of the year. If the hon. Member wanted detailed information on the subject, he would be happy to give it to him.