§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, What portion of the amount (£83,226) in Vote 6 of the Navy Estimates for repairs in Portsmouth Dockyard appertains to the "Victoria and Albert," and how much of the further sum of £63,802 is for repairs to other yachts; and, how many riggers and other workmen have been employed on board the "Victoria and Albert," and for what purpose, since she was pronounced unfit for ocean service?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSir, the amount, £83,226, inserted in Vote 6 of the Navy Estimates for repairs in Portsmouth Dockyard, includes a sum of £27,452 for labour of all kinds 1632 on the Victoria and Albert. The further amount of £63,892 has been inserted in anticipation of defects on ships which are not yet known. A small part of it will be required for yachts; but it is not yet known how much. The Victoria and Albert has not been "pronounced unfit for ocean service;" but for some time back workmen have been employed on her to open her up for survey, in order that her fitness for repair, and the expense and cost of the necessary repairs, might be ascertained. The average number of men so employed has been, I believe, 73. The crew, including dockyard riggers, have been employed in returning stores and fittings, and fitting and preparing ships coming forward for commission; except the engine-room staff, who have been employed in overhauling, cleaning, and preserving the machinery taken out of the ship.
§ MR. GOURLEYasked the hon. Gentleman to state what amount had been expended.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not think my hon. Friend asked that in his Question; but my impression is that it is about £1,800 or £1,900.