HC Deb 04 December 1912 vol 44 cc2268-9
Mr. LEE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this new system has proved an actual success in practice, and whether, in point of fact, the refits of any ship has been completed within four weeks?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It has only very recently been brought into operation. It is too soon to say whether in all respects it can be fully maintained, but the advantages are very great indeed in preventing ships dawdling about in the dockyards when really they ought to be ships on which the admirals of the fighting squadron can count.

Lord C. BERESFORD

asked a question, which was inaudible.

Mr. CHURCHILL

A Committee was appointed under Sir John Jellicoe—a very strong Committee—which sat for a very long time, and went into the full details. I am quite satisfied we are justified in making the experiment.