HC Deb 26 April 1909 vol 4 cc18-9
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he would state how many dry docks there were on the east coast of Great Britain into which a damaged "Dreadnought" could enter if she was drawing more water than ordinarily through having some of her watertight compartments flooded; and how many dry docks capable of taking a battleship of the "Dreadnought" type in similar circumstances were possessed by Germany?

Mr. McKENNA

There are none on the east coast of England. There are understood to be five in Germany.

Mr. LONSDALE

How many docks of this capacity are in course of construction in Germany?

Mr. McKENNA

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the Admiralty taking any steps to provide these most important docks?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. I believe it is common knowledge that a dock is being built at Rosyth.

Mr. LONSDALE

How long will it be before the dock at Rosyth is completed?

Sir GEORGE DOUGHTY

Have the Admiralty any intention of availing them selves of the opportunity of completing a dry dock suitable for "Dreadnoughts" at Immingham on the Humber?

Mr. McKENNA

We are discussing that question at this moment.