HC Deb 28 June 1909 vol 7 cc20-1
Mr. ARTHUR LEE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the number and situation of all docks capable of accommodating vessels of the "Dreadnought" or "Invincible" types which exist in the United Kingdom and in Germany, respectively, distinguishing between graving and floating docks, and between docks completed and under construction?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

Graving Docks.—United Kingdom—13 existing. Two of these take an "Invincible" but not a "Dreadnought." Six building or about to be built. Germany—Five existing. Four of these take a "Dreadnought," but not an "Invincible." One building or about to be built. Floating Docks.—United Kingdom—None existing. Two building or about to be built. Germany—One existing. Two building or about to be built.

Mr. A. LEE

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman has answered my question. Will he reply to the portion of it which asks the situations of these docks; and, secondly, can he say how many docks are under construction? I did not ask how many were about to be built.

Mr. McKENNA

In regard to under construction, if it is to include raising the capital and making the plans, my answer will cover the question of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. A. LEE

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered as to the situations.

Mr. McKENNA

As to the situations, I should be very happy to inform the hon. Gentleman and give him a paper showing the precise situation of each of the docks, but I think it would be undesirable to publish their position.

Mr. BELLAIRS

I understood the right hon. Gentleman said there were two floating docks, building or about to be built, in this country. Will they take "Dreadnoughts" and "Invincibles"?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes.

Sir G. DOUGHTY

Are any of these dry docks on the East Coast?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes; some of them are on the East Coast.

Mr. A. LEE

Will he say which?

Mr. McKENNA

I think it is undesirable that I should say where these docks are.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will these graving docks about to be built be fit for "Dreadnoughts"?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes.