§ 78. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to sell any of the floating docks handed over by Germany under the Treaty of Versailles; if so, what is the reason for the disposal of this property; and why, if it is possible to sell these docks, is it necessary to build new docks at Singapore?
§ 79. Mr. AMMONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government have decided to sell the floating dock of the German navy surrendered to this country; and why is the dock no longer to be utilised for Singapore?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY(Mr. Bridgeman)I would remind the hon. Members that four large floating docks were handed over to this country by Germany. One was sold. Two will be utilised at Malta and Singapore respectively. The fourth is surplus to present requirements, and it is therefore in the interest of economy to dispose of it.
§ Major HORE-BELISHACould not the right hon. Gentleman find some use for one of these docks, or for the two of them, in an English dockyard, seeing that there is no dock large enough to take a battleship?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have considered that, and I am satisfied that the best course is to dispose of them now. I shall be very glad to talk to the hon. and gallant Gentleman if he wishes to ask any further questions.