HC Deb 17 February 1926 vol 191 cc1906-7
16. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to reduce sheerness Dockyard to a care and maintenance basis; and, if not, will he explain why?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I have already replied in the negative to a similar question from my hon. Friend on 16th December last. There is at present ample repair work to keep this dockyard employed, and it could not now be dispensed with unless leased to a private firm who could themselves undertake repair work or without the prior expenditure of considerable sums on buildings elsewhere, which, in existing circumstances, would not be justified.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Does not the same argument which is applied to Sheerness apply equally to Rosyth and Pembroke. None of them are manning ports? Is it the opinion of the Admiralty that Sheerness is of greater strategical value than the other two?

Mr. DAVIDSON

No, but it is suitable to undertake the repair work which is necessary.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the hon. Member say whether the Admiralty contemplate dispensing with another dockyard, or do they not?