§ SIR WILLIAM PLOWDEN (Wolverhampton, W.)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been called to the report of The Standard correspondent in that journal of July 24, in regard to the sea qualities of H.M.S. Sandfly, to the effect that, on the passage from Portland to Berehaven in a light breeze and easy seas, while the Hercules moved with the least possible motion, the Sandfly pitched and rolled so violently that the pendulum intended to register the heeling of the vessel proved useless, as only registering 30 degrees, the Sandfly, it is reported, rolling nearly 45; that, besides such violent rolling—which caused injuries to the surgeon and others—this ship exhibited many other bad qualities; by whom was this ship designed; whether there is any difference in the draught of water of this ship as designed and as completed; and, are there any other ships of this class in the Navy by the same designer?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)No 756 Report has been received from the Admiral in command of the Fleet to which the Sandfly is attached as to unsatisfactory behaviour during the passage to Berehaven, or with regard to her sister vessels, of which there are four attached to the Fleet now engaged in the Naval Manœuvres. Other newspaper correspondents have commented favourably on this type of vessel; and I think there is little doubt that the statements alluded to in the Question are inaccurate.
§ SIR WILLIAM PLOWDENWill the noble Lord have any objection to give us any information he receives on the subject?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONNo doubt, there will be a Report on this and all vessels of a similar type engaged.
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)Will the noble Lord give the name of the designer?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONI do not think it is fair to give the name of the designer, when the purpose of asking this Question is to associate him with the unconfirmed report of the behaviour of this ship.