§ 22. Mr. Boothbyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Rosyth Dockyard is now capable of carrying out repairs to capital ships and is otherwise efficient as a fleet base; and whether any steps are being taken to provide adequate battery and boom defences for the fleet anchorage in the Firth of Forth?
Mr. CooperThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. BoothbyIn view of our experience during the first five months of the late War, when we found ourselves without any safe anchorage, does not my right hon. Friend think that it is desirable that no such danger should be run in the future?
Mr. CooperSteps are being taken and everything done to improve the defences at Rosyth. The question of its use as a naval base involves many considerations which I cannot go into now.