§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state what provision was being made by the Government for dry docks and floating docks capable of accommodating damaged "Dreadnoughts" on the East Coast of Great Britain, in addition to the dry dock at Rosyth?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe question is under consideration.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state on what date the Admiralty first decided that a dry dock for ships of the "Dreadnought" class was required on the East Coast; and on what date that decision was made public?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe decision to construct a dock at Rosyth capable of taking ships of the largest size was arrived at in 1902; and the decision was made public on the 5th March, 1903.
§ Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman state the actual date at which the work was begun?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy impression is that it was February of this year.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the earliest possible date on which a dry dock, capable of holding ships of the "Dreadnought" class when undergoing repairs for damage to water-tight compartments or for other defects, could be ready for use on the East Coast of England and Scotland?
§ Mr. McKENNAI must refer the Noble Lord to the answer just given, Question No. 15 from the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh. As I stated the other day it is estimated that a floating dock of the necessary dimensions can be constructed within two years.