HC Deb 27 October 1909 vol 12 cc997-8
Mr. RENWICK

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the exhaustive investigation into the serious want of dry-dock accommodation for our biggest ships on the East Coast, and the question of the provision of floating docks to meet the deficiency, as mentioned on pages 4 and 5 of the Statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty explanatory of the Navy Estimates, 1909–10, issued in March last, has now been made; if so, whether, as a result of such investigation, it has been decided that the two floating docks, the cost of which was partially provided for in the said Estimates, are considered sufficient to meet the requirements for our biggest ships on the East Coast; and, if so, has it been definitely decided to place one of such docks in a port on the East Coast north of the Thames?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

The two floating docks mentioned are considered sufficient to meet immediate requirements. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. RENWICK

Has the exhaustive inquiry mentioned in the memorandum been made and what has been the result of the inquiry?

Mr. McKENNA

The question asks me whether exhaustive investigation into the serious want of dry dock accommodation for our biggest ships and the question of the provision of floating docks to meet the deficiency as mentioned on pages 4 and 5 of the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty explanatory of the Navy Estimates, 1909–10 has now been made. That exhaustive inquiry has been made or it could not be mentioned.

Mr. RENWICK

And the result is that no dock is to be placed upon the North-East Coast?

Mr. McKENNA

No, it does not cover that point. It is as to the number of docks required and not the particular location of the docks.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

What is their capacity? What size of vessels will they take?

Mr. McKENNA

The largest.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Twenty thousand tons?

Mr. McKENNA

The largest.