HC Deb 31 May 1927 vol 207 cc210-1
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to state what were the exceptional circumstances which prevented repair work to Admiralty overseas oil-tankers being carried out in the Royal dockyards in 1925–26?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)

The exceptional circumstances which led to a comparatively small amount of the repair work on Admiralty overseas tankers being carried out at home dockyards during 1925 may be summarised as follow:

  1. (i) The amount of repair work required to be carried out during 1925 was generally low in comparison with 1924.
  2. (ii) The employment of most of the vessels was overseas and led to work being done abroad or deferred.
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  3. (iii) The visits to home ports were at places or times which rendered dockyard repairs impracticable.
  4. (iv) Casualties which necessitated repair at the nearest port with adequate facilities.