HC Deb 13 June 1907 vol 175 cc1580-1
MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many men were discharged from the dockyard at Chatham during the year 1906, and how many have been discharged during the present year; and whether any representations have been received on this subject.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The net decrease in numbers in Chatham yard in 1906, taking into account reductions, natural wastage, adjustment of trades and other causes, was 398. Up to the 1st of June of the present year there has been a corresponding net increase of 251. Representations in regard to the work to be allotted to this yard have been made to me by a large and representative deputation introduced by my hon. friend the Member for Rochester, to whom I hope to be able to give an early Answer.

MR. MYER (Lambeth, N.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men were discharged immediately after the South African War?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I cannot.

MR. JENKINS (Chatham)

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of discharges in 1904 –5 under the late administration?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I have not the figures here.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if there is any ship-building going on at the present time at Chatham Dockyard, or any work being done there beyond repairs; and what are the intentions of the Admiralty with regard to the building of battleships and cruisers there in the future.

*MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

Ship building is going on at the present time at Chatham Dockyard as well as repairs, the armoured cruiser "Shannon" being in course of completion, while several submarines are under construction. The question of what work will be given to this yard will be considered in the preparation of the Estimates for the next financial year.

MR. FELL

Is it proposed to deepen the channel to enable ships of greater draught to get to the dockyard?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

asked for notice.

MR. JENKINS

asked if the "Shannon" was the only armoured vessel under construction.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

Yes, but then four submarines and a number of smaller craft.