§ 74. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the various reserve destroyers now stationed in southern dockyards are to be accommodated in Rosyth Dockyard; and, if so, when the change is likely to take place?
§ Sir P. SASSOON (for Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM)A scheme is being worked out for laying up a considerable number of reserve destroyers in the basin at Rosyth under such conditions of maintenance that they can be preserved from deterioration by a comparatively small staff of naval personnel, accommodated in a depot ship. The scheme will be put into operation gradually, and it is hoped that it will be completed during the course of next year. The object is to effect considerable economy in maintenance of destroyers in reserve and to relieve berthing congestion in southern yards.
§ Mr. KELLYAre we to understand from that reply that this dockyard is to be manned by naval ratings?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI am afraid that I cannot answer that question. This does not mean that the place will be reopened as a dockyard. The naval personnel will be accommodated on a depot ship and will not be accommodated on land.
§ Mr. KELLYDoes that mean that the civilian employés will not be engaged in keeping these ships in repair?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI must ask for notice of that question.