§ 21. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what saving would accrue in the Estimates, 1922–23 and 1923–24, if Pembroke Dockyard were abolished entirely; and what sum would probably be realised if this Government property were sold?
§ Mr. AMERYIt is impossible to say what the saving would be during 1922–23 and 1923–24, as these figures would depend on whether Pembroke Dockyard is closed down or is disposed of to a commercial firm as a going concern, but the total annual saving that would result when either of the above had been completed is calculated at approximately £120,000, subject to a certain increase for some years on the non-effective Votes. No estimate can be given of the sum which would be realised if this Government property were sold, as it would entirely depend on the market, and up to the present there has been no commercial demand for this establishment.
§ Rear-Admiral ADAIRIs not this dockyard entirely superfluous to the requirements of the Navy, and was its abolition actually recommended in the Geddes Report?
§ Mr. AMERYThe national reason for the retention of the dockyard is set out, very fully, in the First Lord's Memorandum.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre there not naval reasons against retaining this dockyard?
§ Rear-Admiral ADAIRWill the hon. Gentleman clearly state what other reasons there are for the retention of this dockyard?
§ Mr. ROSEHas the propriety of closing down all dockyards and sending the work to Messrs. Beardmore occurred to the Board of Admiralty?