§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to moora number of torpedo boats in Hamble River, and so practically close this river to other shipping; whether he is aware that this river is the only safe and convenient harbour for small vessels in the Solent which is accessible at all states of the tide, and is used by a large number of yachts and other vessels; that a large proportion of the residents in Hamble Swanwick, and Bursledon gain their livelihood owing to the presence of these vessels; and that a grave loss would be inflicted on the neighbourhood should these ships be compelled to go elsewhere; and whether he will give a favourable consideration to the petition which is being forwarded to him from the places affected by this proposal.
§ MR. McKENNAIt is not proposed so to moor torpedo craft in Hamble River as to prevent that river being used by other small craft, and it is not believed 1076 that there is any ground for supposing that loss will be inflicted on the residents in the locality. The intended arrangement is a temporary one during the construction of the dock at Portsmouth. Any particular representation from the places affected will receive careful consideration.
§ MR. ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this river there is practically no room for other ships when torpedo-boats are there?
§ MR. McKENNAI am not aware of it. I will inquire.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)Will the right hon. Gentleman defer taking any definite steps until he has seen the extensively-signed petition from the district?
§ MR. McKENNAI cannot undertake to do that.