§ Earl WINTERTON (for Lord Charles Beresford)asked what is the greatest length of time that any battleship now in commission has been out of dry dock; what is the name of that battleship; what is the period of time beyond which it is not considered advisable for a battleship to remain with her bottom uncleaned; and what is the greatest length of time that any battleship docked since the beginning of last year has had to wait?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the Noble Lord's question is fifteen and a half months; to the second part, H.M.S. "London"; and to the third part, about twelve months. With regard to the last part of the question, excluding ships of the Fourth Division of the Home Fleet, which remain out of dock for about two years, no ship has had to wait for docking.