HC Deb 24 March 1926 vol 193 cc1186-7
8. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with regard to the statement in Cmd. 2595, page 10, of expenditure for modernisation of electric generating stations at His Majesty's dockyards and shore establishments, he will state at which establishments it is proposed to undertake this modernisation, and what is the estimated cost; and whether he will consider postponing this expenditure until the Government's policy for the improvement of the electrical supply of the whole country has been settled?

Mr. DAVIDSON

The establishments at which modernisation of the electric generating stations is being proceeded with are Portsmouth, Devonport and Chatham Dockyards. The estimated costs are as follow:

£
Portsmouth … … 254,000
Devonport … … 166,000
Chatham … … 107,000
The work at Portsmouth and Chatham is well in hand. It will be completed at Chatham in 1926 and at Portsmouth in 1927. Similar extension and modernisation work is necessary at Devonport to meet the ever increasing demands for electrical energy. We will keep in close touch with the Ministry of Transport about the progress of the general electricity scheme with a view to any economies that may be derived in future from co-operation; but the Board are satisfied that there is no ground for postponing the fulfilment of the urgent needs of the dockyards on this account.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the Board considered the advantages of receiving electricity at a distance from the dockyards, in view of possible attack in time of war, so that the dynamos at the yards will not be put out of action?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I think all the relevant considerations have been taken into account.

Commander WILLIAMS

When is the hon. Gentleman's Department going to get on with the Devonport electrical station?

Mr. DAVIDSON

As soon as possible.