§ Mr. NAPIERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state whether any decision has been come to with regard to the provision of additional docking accommodation for warships of the largest size on the East Coast?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt has been decided to construct two floating docks capable of taking ships of war of the largest size. The port to which they will be sent will depend upon the strategical requirements of the time.
§ Mr. NAPIERCannot the right hon. Gentleman now say to what two ports these decks will be sent in the first instance?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think my hon. Friend is greatly concerned on behalf of the Med-way, and I have no doubt that one of them will go to the Medway.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether these two docks are those for which a small instalment is taken in this year's Estimates?
§ Mr. MCKENNAYes.
§ Mr. NAPIERWill the dock which goes to the Medway be operated and worked from Sheerness?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat would seem probable, from the point of view of facilities for carrying on repairs.
§ Mr. J. JENKINSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he proposes to establish or build a dry dock?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think that arises out of the question.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now state where the new floating docks are to be placed; and how many on the East Coast will be capable of floating a "Dreadnought"?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis question is answered by the reply I have just given to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham.
§ Mr. LONSDALEIs it intended that Grimsby shall have one of these docks?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe are considering various facilities offered at different ports, and it would be impossible for me to say at the present moment where the docks will be situated.