HC Deb 08 July 1908 vol 191 cc1650-1
MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether orders have been given to proceed no further with the sinking of the steel caisson at Rosyth; whether it is over eighteen months since this work was begun; and why it is not being proceeded with with the utmost despatch.

MR. MCKENNA

The sinking of the experimental cylinder has been stopped because the information it was desired to obtain has been got, and there is no object in sinking it further. The work of sinking this cylinder was begun over eighteen months ago.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is it not an advantage to use the fine weather for these maritime operations?

MR. MCKENNA

The sinking of the cylinder has been stopped.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

But if the fine weather is not made use of and you are hindered by the winter weather—which is very severe on the coast of Fife—will there not be a delay in the finishing of Rosyth?

MR. MCKENNA

Whatever the weather we do not propose to sink the cylinder any further.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

What I want to get at is whether this will not cause a delay in the formation of Rosyth Dockyard.

MR. MCKENNA

No, sir.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman, who says that Rosyth Dockyard will not be made for seven years, guarantee that we shall have peace for that time?

MR. MCKENNA

All the information to be acquired by the sinking of the cylinder has been obtained, and therefore there is no need to sink it any further.