MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the First Lord of the Admiralty has acceded" to the wishes of the deputation that waited on him last year with reference tot the Haulbowline Dock; whether the annual grant made by the present Government exceeds that of the late Government; and to what uses it is to be applied?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) DundeeThe views of the Admiralty on this subject were fully explained in a letter addressed to Mr. Sexton, on the 7th November last, and the position was further explained on the 21st instant to a deputation of the Cork Chamber of Commerce introduced by the hon. Member for East Cork. As stated to that deputation, the sums provided for Haulbowline Yard in the Estimates of 1893–94, are:—New works, £3,875; dockyard charges (labour and materials), £.5,490; salaried staff, £1,800. The sums similarly provided in 1892–93 were:—New works, £6,221; dockyard charges (labour and materials), £3,145; salaried staff, 1031 £1,777. It is hoped that all current ordinary repairs to the ships maintained on the coasts of Ireland may be in future executed at Haulbowline. Should repairs, for which no provision is made be carried out there instead of at the larger dockyards, the necessary financial adjustment will be made. Arrangements will be made to temporarily supplement the existing staff when found inadequate. In case of war, Haulbowline will be of great importance.
§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)Will any part of the amount estimated for in the coming year be applied to the equipment of the dockyard?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONYes, Sir; I think so.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Clare, N.)Will the materials necessary for the repairs be obtained as far as possible in Ireland?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI must ask for notice of that question.