HC Deb 11 July 1911 vol 28 cc197-8
Mr. FELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cause of the return for repairs of a number of torpedo destroyers lately manœuvring off the South-West Coast of Ireland; if they were not strong enough to be driven at full speed against a head sea; and if this class of torpedo-beat is considered to be fit for use in the North Sea?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

I have nothing to add to the reply given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Down.

Mr. FELL

May I point out that the last part of the question has not been answered. Is this class of torpedo assigned for use in the North Sea?

Mr. McKENNA

The last part of the question was answered in the sense that until I receive the Report it is impossible for me to say what is the matter with the torpedo-boat destroyers, or if anything is the matter with them. All I say is I must wait until I get the Report.

Mr. FELL

Is this class of boat assigned for use in the North Sea?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, these destroyers are built especially for use in any sea.

Mr. LEE

In view of the very serious character of this Report, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that as soon as he is in possession of the facts he will communicate them to the House?

Mr. McKENNA

I would remind the hon. Gentleman the Report has not yet been received, but as soon as it is received, if a question is put down, I will of course answer it as fully as I can.

Mr. LEE

If a question is put down a week hence?

Mr. McKENNA

Well, if I had the report.