HC Deb 05 April 1909 vol 3 cc714-6
Mr. LANE-FOX (for Viscount Helmsley)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many manufacturers in this country now possess the necessary plant for the construction of gun-mountings for battleships and cruisers of the largest type?

The Noble Lord also asked (1) with which firms arrangements were made by the Government for providing such an increase in plant as would secure an acceleration of the manufacture of gun-mountings for battleships and cruisers of the largest types; (2) on what dates in January last were orders given to manufacturers of gun-mountings for ships of the largest type to provide an increase in their plant, so that in the course of a few months Great Britain will have an advantage in this branch of construction?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

I propose to answer the Noble Lord's three questions together. The Admiralty have hitherto bought 12-inch gun mountings from two firms of contractors—the Elswick Ordnance Works and Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim. The existing capacity of these firms for the supply of gun-mountings is equal to the demands of the shipbuilding programme of the current year. With a view to providing for an increase of output in case of need, communications have taken place between the Admiralty and both these firms. As regards one of them, inquiries were addressed to the firm in November last. Information was given that shop space admitted of an immediate extension of machinery; and in December or January the firm instructed their manager to make all inquiries as to any machinery which might be needed. As regards the other firm, the best method of extending the plant at their works has been under consideration for some months. Both firms, after further communication with His Majesty's Government, gave instructions for the necessary work to be put in hand without delay in February last. Besides the two firms already named, the Coventry Ordnance Works have all the necessary plant for the construction of gun-mountings for battleships and cruisers of the largest type. It is proposed to give a trial order to this firm at an early date.

Mr. CROOKS

Has a similar communication been addressed to the War Office?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. My right hon. Friend has been in communication with me on the subject.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Were directions given or promises made in the month of January last of a kind which required an immediate increase of plant by the two firms to which he has alluded, the Elswick Works and Vickers, Sons, and Maxim, and placing them in a position to supply these heavy gun-mountings with greater rapidity?

Mr. McKENNA

I should not have used the words myself "directions given or promises made," because in each case the firms had voluntarily agreed to make the necessary increase in the month of February last. Communications with the firms alluded to in the case of one of them began in November last. With regard to the other firm the Admiralty are aware that the firm had had the question of the enlargement of their works under consideration for some months past.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Is the right hon. Member aware that the Prime Minister stated in this House—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member must not make quotations at question time.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

At what date in January last were orders given to the manufacturers of gun-mountings?

Mr. McKENNA

I have stated to the House that the word "orders" is not the word I should have used in this case, but in February last both firms volunteered to increase their plant in consequence of communications they had received from the Government.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Then it is not correct to say that "orders were given in January last"?

Mr. McKENNA

It is correct to state that the information upon which one of the firms proceeded was obtained from the Government in November last, and that communications between that firm and the Government continued throughout November, December, and January, and until February, and in February the firm volunteered to increase its plant. With regard to the other firm, the Admiralty were aware that it had under consideration the increase of their plant, of which they gave a voluntary assurance in February. It would not be accurate to name the month of January, because the proceedings lasted from November right up to February.