Captain CRAIGasked whether the Great Central Railway Company have at 498 any time offered to construct a dry dock on the East Coast at Immingham, capable of accommodating a battleship of the "Dreadnought" class, for a yearly subsidy or for the difference in price between such a dock and one satisfying commercial requirements; if so, when was such an offer first made; and has it been accepted by the Admiralty?
§ Mr. McKENNAAn offer has been received from a company in close connection with the Great Central Railway Company to construct a dry dock at Immingham for a yearly subsidy. The offer was made last month, and was declined, as the yearly subsidy asked for was so high as to be prohibitive.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask how it compares with the subsidy already paid by the Admiralty for dry dock accommodation in a similar case abroad?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis is very much higher.
§ Mr. RENWICKMay I ask if a counter offer was made, and if negotiations are still being carried on?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should have to refer to the exact state in which the negotiations stand before answering the hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Mr. RENWICKIs the right hon. Gentleman able to say whether negotiations are being carried on or not?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put a question on the Paper.