HC Deb 13 May 1909 vol 4 c2017
Mr. RENWICK

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there are any dry decks on the Thames or in the North Sea ports, other than at Chatham, suitable for battleships of the "King Edward,' "Lord Nelson," "London," or "Royal Sovereign" classes, or for first-class cruisers of the "Invincible," "Minotaur," or county classes; and, if so, where are such docks situated and how many of them are there?

Mr. McKENNA

All classes of vessels enumerated, when at designed load draught, can be docked in Robert Stephenson's Dock, Hebburn. Vessels of the county class can be docked in the Tilbury large graving dock, or in Messrs. Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson's dock at Wallsend-on-Tyne, when somewhat lightened and trimmed.

Mr. RENWICK

Is it not a fact that the Admiralty have refused to use Messrs. Stephenson's docks?

Mr. McKENNA

I have given the precise explanation which the hon. Member asked for. As regards refusing to use Messrs. Stephenson's dock, I decline to have repairs carried out at the present time in private dockyards. That is not part of the question which the hon. Member put to me.

Mr. RENWICK

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question about using Richardson's dock at Wallsend-on-Tyne?

Mr. McKENNA

I have already stated that this particular dock can be used by vessels of the county class when somewhat lightened and trimmed.