§ MR. LAIRDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether, before proceeding with the three unarmoured vessels of the "Blanche" class, he will lay upon the Table any Reports made upon that ship in reference to her qualifications as a cruiser, and being able to make long voyages under sail only?
§ MR. GOSCHENsaid, no special Reports had been received with regard to the qualifications of the Blanche as a cruiser, and her ability to make long voyages under sail only. He could not, therefore, undertake to say that the three unarmoured vessels of the Blanche 987 class would not be proceeded with until such Reports had been received. The performance of the Blanche under sail had been as good as was to have been expected from a ship with a non-lifting screw; but the other vessels of the same class would be better, as their screws would be constructed, on a different principle.