§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been decided to moor twenty-five torpedo-boat destroyers in Hamble River; whether any destroyers have been sent up that river for experimental purposes; and how many of those destroyers ran aground.
I beg also to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is possible for torpedo-boat destroyers to navigate the Hamble River at a speed of less than eight knots; whether vessels proceeding at that speed create a dangerous swell in 1453 such narrow waters; and whether any accidents have been caused thereby to vessels afloat or ashore in the Hamble River.
I beg further to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the proposed mooring of twenty-five torpedo-boat destroyers in Hamble River will so narrow the navigable channel as to render it impossible for any sailing vessel to beat up or down the river, and that in consequence of that fact, and of the dangerous swell caused by torpedo-boat destroyers using the river at high speeds, a large number of yachts and other vessels are leaving the river; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction and distress thereby created among the waterside population, he proposes to take any action in the matter.
§ MR. MCKENNADestroyers have been sent up the Hamble River on two or three occasions and none ran aground. They can navigate the river at a speed of less than eight knots, but eight knots is preferable; at the latter speed they do not create a dangerous swell and no accidents to vessels afloat or ashore have so far as is known been caused thereby. The destroyers, if moored in the Hamble River, would to a certain extent narrow the channel, but not render it impossible for sailing vessels to beat up or down the river. No destroyers have used the river at high speeds, and there has been no dangerous swell such as suggested. No report has been received that vessels are leaving the Hamble River. The general question of mooring destroyers in the Hamble River is still engaging attention.
§ MR. ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an accident was lately caused to a yacht which was on the stocks waiting to be floated off, and which was considerably damaged by the swell caused by one of the passing torpedo boats?
§ MR. MCKENNAThe accident has not been reported to the Admiralty, but I will inquire.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)Has the right hon. Gentleman 1454 received a memorial from inhabitants on both banks of the river with regard to the possible disturbance of the trade, and will the right hon. Gentleman bear that point in mind in considering the general question?
§ MR. MCKENNAYes, it will be taken into full consideration.
§ MR. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider a claim for compensation from the owner of the yacht I have referred to?
§ MR. MCKENNAWithout some knowledge of the accident I cannot say.
§ MR. GRETTON (Rutland)Will the interests of the lobster fishery also be borne in mind?
§ MR. MCKENNAYes, that will be taken into account.
§ SIR ROBERT HOBART (Hampshire, New Forest)Is there not ample accommodation in Southampton water outside the Hamble River for all classes of torpedo boats and destroyers without interfering with the navigation of the river?
§ MR. MCKENNANone of these facts will be overlooked by the Admiralty.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)Will the right hon. Gentleman compensate the poor fishermen for any damage done to their boats?
§ MR. MCKENNANo damage has occurred.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIf any does occur then?
§ [No Answer was returned.]