§ 1. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the cost of adapting H.M.S. "Resolution" as part of the Stokers' Training Establishment, Devonport, known as H.M.S. "Imperieuse."
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)The cost of adapting H.M.S. "Resolution" to improve living and other conditions which were seriously below a proper standard, was £94,577. This figure is exclusive of the cost of making good defects which were remedied during the time the vessel was in hand for alterations.
§ Sir R. RossWhen was this £95,000 spent?
§ Mr. EdwardsIt was spent over a period; it was spent as the result of representations made in this House in connection with living accommodation.
§ Sir R. RossVery recently?
§ Commander NobleCould the Civil Lord tell us the names of any other battleships used at present for accommodation or training?
§ Mr. EdwardsThe only one that is being actually used for training at present is H.M.S. "Valiant." H.M.S. "Revenge" was in use with H.M.S. "Resolution," but she has also been taken out of commission.
§ 2. Sir R. Rossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Stokers' Training Establishment at Devonport, known as H.M.S. "Imperieuse," has now been closed.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsYes, Sir. Training ceased on 2nd February.
§ Sir R. RossDoes the Civil Lord consider that the very recent expenditure of over £90,000 on this ship, which has been part of the establishment, and then closing the establishment, is good economy?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not think it is bad economy at a time when it is necessary to improve the living conditions of men serving in the Navy.
§ Sir R. RossDo I not understand from the Civil Lord that men are not serving in the Navy in that establishment any more?
§ Mr. EdwardsThey are not, because the Navy has been reduced.