HC Deb 03 May 1804 vol 24 cc225-7
COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many boats have been ordered for the Royal Navy in Germany; how much is to be paid for them from public funds; and if they will be duly stamped "made in Germany;" and what steps were taken to place the order among the unemployed shipwrights at home?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

At present the exact number of these special life-saving boats cannot be stated. The total number likely to be ordered by contractors for the torpedo-boat destroyers will not exceed 60. The cost of these life-saving boats, as previously explained, will be paid by the contractors for the vessels carrying the boats. For the number mentioned it will probably not exceed £1,000. The boats are patented, and the maker's name will no doubt be on them, but no other description, as they will bear no English names or marks. The boats are not shipwrights' work, nor wood-built. The House will observe that a small order is all that has been given so far. If larger orders become desirable, the Admiralty will, as usual, endeavour to arrange for manufacture in this country. But I repeat what I stated the other day, that it is our clear duty to obtain the best articles and inventions for use in Her Majesty's Navy, whether Foreign or British.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that it is the duty of the Government to obtain the cheapest article regardless of every consideration. Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge as to the price of these boats?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

The Admiralty have full knowledgeon the whole subject, and have been in communication both with the representative of the inventor in this country and with the contractors. The Berthon boats-formerly contracted for were heavier, much more expensive, and less satisfactory than this subsequent invention. The new boats are a marked success, and the Admiralty are satisfied that they are the very best boats.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

Will the contract be laid on the Table?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

I know of no reason why this contract any more than any other contract should be laid on the Table.

* MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the size of the boats. I see they are to cost about £16 a-piece. Are they 16ft. boats?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

The first boat cost only £7, but the present boats, which are rather longer—namely, 18ft., cost about £16.