§ MR. W. H. SMITHCan my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Admiralty state to the House what steps the Government have taken to give effect to the engagements made by the Government in December for the increase of the Navy, and for what ship3 contracts have already been taken, and the time at which they are to be completed?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThe programme of additional shipbuilding work was proposed to Parliament and approved on the 2nd of December. No time was lost in pushing forward the designs and completing the specifications in more detail, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Contracts and Repairs. Additional draftsmen have been employed, and long 862 extra hours have been worked. The drawings for the Scout class were completed at the close of the year, and on the 5th of January tenders were invited for their construction from 37 firms. The seven weeks given for preparing the tenders expire on the 24th instant. The orders will be placed as soon as practicable after that date. On the 2nd of March we shall be ready to invite tenders for five belted cruisers and two ironclads. Tenders will be immediately invited for 10 powerful torpedo boats, armed in accordance with the recommendations of a Special Committee. Five additional torpedo boats of the first class will be ordered in the course of the year.
§ In reply to Sir EDWARD J. REED,
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYsaid: There will be no objection to place in the Library a copy of the sketch design of an iron-clad shown to my hon. Friend, and described to Parliament in December, and of the more accurate and detailed design which is now in course of completion.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHAre we to understand that at this time no contract for any one ship or torpedo boat has been entered into by the Government?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThat is the case.