HC Deb 28 March 1928 vol 215 cc1147-8
9. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the experiments to ascertain the effect on a ship s structure of aeroplane bombs exploding under water have been carried out with the largest size bombs against the hulls of actual ships of modern construction; if not, whether it is intended to carry out such experiments; and can he give names of the ships used for purposes of recent experiments of this nature?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

The latest experiment to ascertain the effect on a ship's structure of aeroplane bombs exploded below water was carried out against the "Monarch" with a portion of the side reconstructed to represent the most recent design of underwater protection. The charge used was 2,000 lbs., corresponding to a bomb of about 4,000 lbs.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Would the right hon. Gentleman, without detriment to the public interest, give the result of these experiments?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No, I am afraid not.