14 NOVEMBER 1925, Page 2

Although' we have not space to refer to most of

the other Guildhall speeches we must mention Lord Beatty's. He said that the full activities of the Rosyth and Pembroke docks were entirely unnecessary. We are very glad to have this definite statement from the First Sea Lord, because as the highest expert opinion it will go a long way towards solving the controversy about the retention of these docks. If there is to be economy there must be sacrifice. It is absurd to allow local interests to override a great national object. None the less, every thinking person must sympathize with the people Of Rosyth and Pembroke and anxiously hope that a way may . be found of putting these great docks to Some new use unless of course it is proved to be essential to keep themn idly in reserve. • . * .* *