Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked whether a warship when undergoing repairs could be considered in commission; and, if so, whether when undergoing such repairs it was necessary or usual to keep the whole of the crew on board, or whether they could be employed in other ways, e.g., in torpedo practice or other training, or in taking their annual leave?
§ Mr. McKENNAA ship remains in commission during ordinary repairs. It is the practice to give leave by watches to the crews of ships during their annual refit at a home port. The work and training of the men may be interfered with to some extent, but is not discontinued, and the crew take part in the refit. It is not considered desirable to remove the crew except during a large refit.
Mr. FRED HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to convey that a ship would not be in commission if she received damages which necessitated her going to dry dock for repairs? I do not mean ordinary overhauling, but in consequence of an accident?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would depend on the length of time she had to be dry-docked whether the men were kept on board or not.
Mr. FRED HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman inform me what he would con- 1134 sider a reasonable time for the crew to remain on board during repairs necessitated by an accident?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would be impossible to say. I suppose each case would have to be judged on its circumstances.