§ 8. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty 1941 what capital ships, if any, of His Majesty's Navy are still due to be scrapped under the terms of the Washington Convention; and, if there are any such, will he consider using them as targets for bomb-dropping experiments from aeroplanes?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo capital ships of His Majesty's Navy are due to be scrapped until 1934. When the time comes I have no doubt that consideration will be given to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYWhat is happening to the four "Iron Duke" class which were to have been scrapped when the "Nelson" and "Rodney" were completed? Have they already been scrapped?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should prefer to give an accurate reply. May I send the hon. and gallant Gentleman a reply in writing?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCertainly. If these four ships which were due to be broken up have not been broken up, would the right hon. Gentleman consider their use for the purpose of these very important experiments?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWe are only allowed, under the Washington Convention, one mobile target ship of that size, and we have one already.