HC Deb 28 October 1909 vol 12 cc1168-9
Mr. RENWICK

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether certain confidential drawings supplied to the contractors for the building of one of the latest first-class warships, and which drawings should now be in the possession of the Admiralty, have disappeared; and, if so, whether the Admiralty expect to regain possession of them?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

The answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative. The ship has been in commission for some time, and the drawings have therefore lost much of their value.

Mr. RENWICK

Am I right in concluding that certain drawings have been missing, are missing, and have not been recovered, and that the Admiralty do not deem it necessary to attempt to recover them?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Member is quite right in regard to the first part of his question, but he is quite wrong in regard to the latter part.

Mr. RENWICK

Are any of the drawings of the first-class cruiser "Indomitable" missing at the present time?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, I have already answered that question in the affirmative.

Mr. RENWICK

Then they are missing still?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, they are missing.