§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many times His Majesty's ships "Invincible," "Indomitable," and "Inflexible" have been dry-docked since the date of their respective commissionings; and whether, when placed upon the blocks all or any of these ships have shown signs of structural weakness?
§ Mr. McKENNASince commissioning, the "Invincible" has been dry docked four times, the "Indomitable" five times, and the "Inflexible" three times. No signs of structural weakness has been shown by any of these ships. Slight buckling has been found in a few frames, but not to any serious extent.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present method of docking has been in existence for more than 100 years, and have not experts recommended a better method?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, there is a curious diversity of opinion as to the best method of docking, but I do not think that the case of these ships shows that anything special happened.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether any structural defects have been discovered in the battleship-cruiser "Invincible"; how long the present repairs are likely to last; and how much they will cost?
§ Mr. McKENNASlight buckling has been reported, but it is not considered to be due to structural defects. The repairs will be completed concurrently with the refit which the ship is now undergoing, and the cost will be small.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEMay we expect the "Invincible" to be ready for the Naval Review?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir, I understand the date she will be ready is 20th May, but I am speaking from memory.
§ Mr. McKENNAI think it was discovered at the time of the last docking, but I am not able to say when it took place.