HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 c329
Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what would be the draught of a battleship of the "Dreadnought" type which had a 10 per cent. list; whether there was at present any dry dock in this country which would admit a ship of that draught; and, if not, what steps the Government proposed to take to remedy the deficiency?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not understand what is meant by a 10 per cent. list; but if the Noble Lord intends that the ship should heel over to an angle of 1 in 10, then the "Dreadnought" at a draught of 26 feet 6 inches would, with this list, have a draught of water of 29 feet 6 inches. There are in this country at least 10 dry docks which would admit a ship of such draught.

Mr. RENWICK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would be a highly dangerous operation to dock a battleship in a dry dock with a 10ft. list?

An HON. MEMBER

It would be if there was no water in it.

Mr. McKENNA

That was not the question asked. I have replied to that question of the Noble Lord.

Mr. RENWICK

May I further ask if it is not a fact that a battleship with a 10 ft. list would require a much wider dock than if the ship was upright?

Mr. McKENNA

Will the hon. Member De so good to put the question of the 10ft. list on the Paper?

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