HC Deb 25 March 1935 vol 299 cc1585-6
45. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the vulnerability of Chatham dockyard, where over 8,000 men are employed, to aerial attack, he will refer the question of the removal of the dockyard to a less vulnerable position to the Committee of Imperial Defence for their consideration and report?

The PRIME MINISTER

The whole question of the vulnerability of important establishments, of which Chatham dockyard is only one instance, is under active consideration, both by the Departments concerned and by the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Mr. LAMBERT

When may we expect a decision to be arrived at, in view of the vital importance to the Navy and the defences of the country of the vulnerability of Chatham and district to aerial attack?

Sir ROBERT GOWER

Is it not a fact that in these days of long-distance aeroplanes all His Majesty's naval dockyards are equally as vulnerable to aerial attack as Chatham?

The PRIME MINISTER

I did say that Chatham was only one instance. Perhaps my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) will speak to me on the subject.