THE NAVAL POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 79, 29 April 1909, Page 2

THE NAVAL POLICY.

Loudon, April 27. Tiio Hon. Reginald iMeJCenna, l-'irat Lord of the Admiralty, in reply to questions iu the House oi Commons, admitted there was not a single dry dock on tlic east ooast of .Britain where a Dreadnought could enter if drawing wore water than usual owing to «omo watertight compartment* having been Hooded, though there were docks in (ierniany with this capacity, lie addeii that the Government was considering the question of the constructive 01' llouting docks on th e east coast. The Hon. Mr. Mclvcnna was heckled about the absence of lirst-elnss battleships on the China and Australiaa stations.

The Admiralty, he said, was expediting the building of the Neptune, which would be launched in August instead 01 October, enabling a successor to be laid early in November. fHE EXPERT INQUIRY. lteceived April 28, 11.23 p.ui, London, April 28. Mr. Asquith's committee examined Mr. R. McKenna (First Lord of the Admiralty), Admiral Sir John Fisher, and Lord Charles Bercsford. The latter is permitted to call what witnesses he chooses, except commanders. They are guaranteed that their evidence will be no bar to promotion.