§ MR. CHARLES WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, For how many belted cruisers they are inviting tenders, and to whom the invitations have been sent, and when the tenders are to be sent in?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYTenders have been invited for five belted 616 cruisers from 14 firms. It is not considered advisable to give their names. The tenders are due on April 17. An earlier date was originally fixed, and the extension of time has been granted at the request of some of the con-tractors.
§ MR. CHARLES WILSONasked whether Earle's Shipbuilding Company had been included in the list of firms?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYsaid, it was not advisable to give the names of the contractors.