§ SIR JOHN HAYasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, Whether the steering defects of the Agamemnon are such as to unfit her for service without alteration, what the nature and cost of this alteration will be, and how long it will take to complete her; and, whether the Ajax is similarly dofective, and will require similar alterations?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThe steering of the Agamemnon up to nine knots is satisfactory. At higher speeds it is found difficult to steer an accurate course without the assistance of her screws. The turning powers are good at all speeds. Similar cases have occurred, where better acquaintance with the ships has enabled officers to handle them more easily. 783 It is not proposed to make any alteration now; but if on arrival at Malta the difficulty has not been overcome, orders will be given to increase the upper part of the rudder, which may take about a fortnight, at an expense of, perhaps, about £200 or £300. The case of the Ajax is similar.