HC Deb 23 March 1910 vol 15 cc1030-1
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked whether the two floating docks figuring in the programme of new construction of 1910–11, and for which a total Vote of £9,141 was asked in the coming financial year, were to be capable of accommodating ships of the "Dreadnought" and super-" Dreadnought "type?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the total cost?

Mr. McKENNA

I am unable to give any information beyond what is stated in the published Estimates.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked whether it would be possible to berth a floating dock for the accommodation of "Dreadnoughts" in the Medway without dredging; and, if not, when it was proposed to start the work?

Mr. McKENNA

The reply is in the affirmative.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked what would be, approximately, the total cost of each of the two floating docks now under construction by contract; what approximate amount would remain to be expended on them after the end of the ensuing financial year; when were the tenders for these docks received; when were they accepted; whether he adhered to his statement of 5th July, 1909, that the docks would be finished in eighteen months or two years from that date; and, if not, what was the reason for the delay; what was the total amount which it was estimated would be required for providing accommodation for the floating dock at Portsmouth; and how much was to be expended for that purpose this year?

Mr. McKENNA

It is undesirable and quite unusual at this stage of the progress of the work to give the information asked for in the first two parts of the question. The answer to the third part of the question is 19th October, 1909. With regard to the fourth part of the question, provisional acceptance was given by telegram on 27th November, 1909. It is expected that the docks will be completed about September, 1911. The figures asked for in the last part of the question are not available.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

Why has the right hon. Gentleman put the date later?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not aware that I have done so. In answer to a supplementary question I stated that the work would be completed in from eighteen months to two years, and that period is included within the dates I have mentioned.