§ Mr. REESWill the First Lord of the Admiralty state whether, since the naval programme of construction, of repairs, and of armaments provides only for the year to which it relates, so that future requirements cannot be arranged beforehand in such a manner as to guarantee regular work over long periods for private firms, he will consider the desirability of a Government establishment of itself, or in concert with others, being so equipped as to be capable of turning out a first-class battleship of the latest design complete and with its appropriate armament.
§ Mr. McKENNAMy hon. Friend is in error in supposing that there is any difference in the conditions under which orders are given to Royal yards and to contractors respectively. Whatever arguments my hon. Friend may have in favour of fitting a dockyard so as to enable a "Dreadnought" to be equipped and built in it, do not depend upon the fact that the programme is for one-year only.
§ Mr. REESMay I ask whether the present rate of construction is sufficient to keep three private dockyards going?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat depends upon the Votes passed by this House, and not upon the needs of private dockyards.