HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 cc327-9
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the two floating docks, provided for in this year's programme, are intended to accommodate ships of the "Dreadnought" class?

Mr. McKENNA

I have nothing to add to the answer given to a similar question on Monday last, namely, that the designs are now under consideration.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

May I be allowed to submit a point of order? The right hon. Gentleman has not returned a "yes" or a "no" in answer to my question, nor an answer which is a diplomatic mixture of the two He has not refused an answer even. [An HON. MEMBER: "What has he done?"] Am I not, therefore, in order in putting down my question as frequently as I like, and appealing to my hon. Friends on both sides of the House to support me?

Mr. SPEAKER

However often the hon. Member puts his question down he cannot compel a Minister to answer. I understood the First Lord to say that the matter was under consideration.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

I asked about the designs, Sir?

Mr. SPEAKER

Well, he said the designs were under consideration. Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat his question about the end of August. [Loud laughter.]

Mr. RENWICK

May I ask if the construction of two floating docks has been definitely decided upon, and where they are intended to be placed on the East Coast?

Mr. McKENNA

I prefer not to answer questions upon that point at the present moment. It is true that two floating docks are provided for in this year's Estimates.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Is it usual for the Admiralty to decide to provide two floating docks without it being decided what they are to be for?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir, that is not quite the point. We have decided to have two floating docks, but we have not yet definitely determined upon the design of the floating docks. When the design is definitely determined upon then I shall be happy to communicate the fact to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. RENWICK

When the right hon. Gentleman mentions the design does he mean the design or the size of the dock?

Mr. McKENNA

The design covers the size.

Mr. RENWICK

No.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication as to the time when the designs will be completed, to enable the House to judge?

Mr. McKENNA

I shall be glad to have notice of that question. I will consult the Director of Naval Construction.

Mr. RENWICK

With regard to the further answer, when the right hon. Gentleman says that the design covers the size, is he aware that there are different designs of floating docks?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member would be well advised to put his question on the Paper.