§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN () KilkennyI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the transport "Pinemore," with troops for South Africa, which arrived at Queenstown with her propeller disabled and was taken back to Liverpool for repairs, will he explain why the more expeditious course of doing the necessary repairs in Haulbowline Dock was not adopted; whether Haulbowline Dock is fully equipped for executing such repairs; and whether it is intended, in view of the emergencies that may arise in war time, to fully equip this dock for the accommodation of the Navy, and to send vessels there for repairs to test its utility.
§ * MR. MACARTNEYThe answer to the first question of the hon. Member is that it was not practicable owing to the length of the vessel. I should have been glad if it had been possible. The answer to the second and third questions is in the affirmative, under the conditions which have been previously stated.
§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIENis it intended to send other vessels there?
§ * MR. MACARTNEYThat is the very question I have attempted to answer.