HC Deb 01 June 1911 vol 26 cc1203-6
Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked whether structural weakness has developed in His Majesty's ship "Invincible," to such an extent that, through outside pressure, water finds its way into the compartments reserved for oil?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

No structural weakness is known to have developed in His Majesty's ship "Invincible."

Lord C. BERESFORD

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question. Has water percolated into the oil compartments or not?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have said that no structural weakness is known to have developed. I have no report whatever that water has percolated into the oil compartments.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked whether through structural weakness the roller plates under the turrets of His Majesty's ship "Invincible" have given out, making it impossible to train all guns on one beam, fire them, and then train all guns on the other beam immediately and fire them, as may be necessary in action; and whether the ship will be ready in full commission for active service in three months from 1st March, 1911?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative—and to the second part in the affirmative.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two of the barbettes of the "Invincible" have never been trained round a complete 32 points?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am not aware of that. Perhaps the Noble Lord will give notice of the question?

Mr. ASHLEY

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the facts are as stated in the question?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Well, I should imagine that would be done.

Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any reason to modify the official statement made that no signs of structural weakness had been shown by His Majesty's ship "Invincible"; whether, when she was recently about to be docked, portions of the longitudinal framing were removed; whether, on docking the ship, signs of structural weakness were apparent to such an extent that pumping out the dock had to be stopped; whether the ship was refloated, taken out of dock, and the portions of the longitudinal framing which were removed replaced, the ship being re-docked afterwards without any further signs of buckling; and whether it is intended, owing to a structural weakness, to strengthen the longitudinals?

Dr. MACNAMARA

There is no reason to modify the statement that no structural weakness has been shown by his Majesty's ship "Invincible." No portions of longtidunal framing have been removed. No signs of structural Weakness were observed on docking. It is not intended to strengthen the longitudinals.

Lord HUGH CECIL

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will inquire if structural weakness has developed or not?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The Noble Lord may take it that full inquiry was made.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Will the hon. Member inform the House why the vessel was taken out of the clock, why pumping out the dock had to be stopped, and why nine gangs of twenty-five men each were sent on board, many of whom are working there now? May I ask further whether he can inform the House why the director of naval construction went down to superintend the ship, and why he had to superintend the pumping at this dock?

Dr. MACNAMARA

What happened was this: When the ship was docked last autumn there was no case of any structural weakness at all, but because of the disposition and character of the blocks for dry dock purposes there was a slight buckling, which is not uncommon in ships of this character. That had nothing to do with the structural character of the ship. In order that that might not take place again great care was taken in the replacing of the blocks.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House what the 200 Shipwrights were doing there?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I repeat that there is no structural weakness. There was a slight buckling on account of the disposition of the blocks, a matter with which the Noble Lord is more familiar than I am.

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Will the hon. Gentleman in making inquiries in regard to this matter also make inquiries how these points of information are always leaking out, contrary to the regulations of the public service?

Viscount HELMSLEY

Will the hon. Gentleman and the Admiralty be rather more candid with the House? Is he aware that there is considerable want of confidence in regard to some of the answers given by the Admiralty?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am perfectly confident that I have been perfectly candid, and that everybody in this House thinks so.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been no leakage with regard to these compartments, and that everybody in Portsmouth knows what is happening?

Mr. CROOKS

Is there such a ship at all?