HC Deb 02 April 1903 vol 120 cc899-900
MR. J. H. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that His Majesty's ship "Caledonia," the boys' training ship in the Forth, has been recently condemned for the second time as unfit for further service, and of the danger to the boys on board involved in leaving this ship any longer in commission in her present condition, he will state when the decision to transfer the boys to corrugated iron huts to be erected on shore will be carried into effect; and whether this is a permanent arrangement; and what means will be adopted until such arrangements are carried out to safeguard the lives of those on board the "Caledonia."

(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The "Caledonia" is not in a dangerous condition, and will be fit for occupation until the shore establishment is erected. This establishment will be of a permanent character. The buildings will not be of corrugated iron, but of a more sanitary and durable material, probably brick with tile roof. Negotiations are now in progress for a site, and it is hoped that the transfer to the shore may be effected within two years.