HC Deb 18 June 1907 vol 176 cc309-10
MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in consequence of recent experience of the decomposition and deterioration of smokeless powders in hot magazines, the Admiralty have found it to be urgently necessary to ask for tenders for refrigerating machinery for the magazines of our ships, involving large additional expenditure on Vote 8; whether he is aware that Vote 8, as presented, does not include any expenditure on refrigerating machinery; and whether the Government will follow the accepted practice in this case, where i the Vote has been presented but not discussed in Committee of Supply, by presenting a Supplementary Estimate.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

It is true that Vote 8 for the current year does not include any specific provision for refrigerating machinery, but I am not prepared at this date to affirm either that there will not be sufficient funds in the several sections of that Vote to meet the charge for such machinery falling in the current year, or that a supplementary grant for naval services will be needed. I hope, however, in accordance with the accepted practice, to make a statement on the general subject when Vote 8 is moved in Committee of Supply.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)

Will not a sum approaching something like £500,000 be required for this purpose, and will this large sum have to be taken from other necessary services?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

No.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

But Vote 8 as originally drawn did not provide for that. Is it intended to have a Supplementary Estimate or not?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I cannot yet say if one will be necessary

MR. BELLAIRS

Is it not customary in cases involving such large sums for us to pay our way as we go along?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I am, with the. consent of the Treasury, following the accepted practice in this case.

MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)

Will any considerable portion of this machinery have to be supplied during the current financial year?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

Yes, and a certain sum will be required this year in consequence.

MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)

Is it intended that all vessels shall have this refrigerating apparatus?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I have answered that on more than one occasion.

MR. GRETTON (Rutland)

Is it not urgent to provide it at once?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I do not think so.