HC Deb 17 March 1948 vol 448 c2094
65. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the graving dock in Messrs. Blohm & Voss's shipyard at Hamburg is to be demolished; and whether he is aware of the urgent necessity of this dock for the repair of oceangoing vessels of all nationalities.

Mr. Mayhew

No decision has been made regarding the graving dock at Blohm and Voss. Adequate facilities for the repair of ocean-going vessels will be retained in Germany.

Mr. Stokes

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind, when this matter comes up for consideration, that this is probably the most beautiful graving dock in the world, and that it would be an utter shame if it were destroyed at the present time?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, but it also helped to build the "Bismarck."

Mr. Stokes

But there is not the slightest chance of another "Bismarck" being built.