HC Deb 08 February 1911 vol 21 cc268-9
Major ANSTRUTHER GRAY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men were now employed at Rosyth; and how soon the works there would be completed?

Mr. McKENNA

The number of men now being employed at Rosyth is 1,866. The date for the completion of the contract is 30th September, 1916. I am not yet in a position to say what anticipation of this date may be expected.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the date will be anticipated?

Mr. McKENNA

I do, Sir, certainly.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he will have to spend nearly £600,000 each years up to 1915, according to the sum put down by himself, to finish Rosyth by that date?

Mr. McKENNA

I think I ought to have notice with regard to any question as to the precise figures of expenditure, especially as it does not arise out of the question.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Are these 1,860 men the full complement the Admiralty anticipated would be employed by this time at the Rosyth works?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir; the work is progressing quite as fast as we expected; on the whole, I should think faster than expected.