§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty oil contractors at Greenock are now in possession of the necessary equipment to oil torpedo boats with rapidity, in view of the fact that in July last they were unable to oil the torpedo boat flotilla of the third division Home Fleet until hoses had been obtained from Edinburgh?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The contractors are in a position to meet our requirements with punctuality and dispatch. It appears, however, that on the occasion in question, although the oil arrived punctually, there was some delay in its transfer to the destroyers, arising, not from any insufficiency of equipment in possession of the contractors, but from the fact that the hoses had been sent in error to Troon instead of to Greenock. Steps will be taken to ensure, as far as possible, that the incident shall not recur.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this occasion the torpedo boat flotilla of ten boats was delayed for over twenty-four hours?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think the circumstances have been explained in the answer.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked whether the Admiralty oiling station at Dundee has recently been improved; and whether he is aware that the torpedo boat flotilla of the Third Division, Home Fleet, was unable to oil rapidly in July last owing to lack of wharf space and of efficient plant?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is no Admiralty oiling station at Dundee. Supplies are forwarded from Admiralty stocks held in storage by contractors. I am advised that there was no delay in supplying oil on the occasion referred to. The system of supply then made use of is considered satisfactory, and there is no present intention of altering it.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of establishing an oiling station there, as well as at the other stations?