§ MR. C. H. WILSON (Hull, W.)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether facilities can be given to Members for the inspection of the plans of the Nile and Trafalgar; whether he can say what defence they are to have against torpedoes; and, how many new engines are being built for ships of the Royal Navy, and to what extent they are of the most modern construction, that is, worked by steam of not less than 150 pounds pressure, used expansively in three or four cylinders?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham)Arrangements will be made for enabling Members to inspect the plans of the vessels referred to at the Admiralty if they will be good enough to apply in writing to Admiral Graham, the Controller of the Navy. These vessels will be defended against torpedoes by internal sub-divisions and strong passage bulkheads, as well as by torpedo steel net defences. In 1885–6 engines were ordered for 19 ships. These are all of the most modern design and construction, on the triple expansion type, to be worked with steam of 1781 130 lb. to 140 lb. pressure. Money is also taken in 1886–7 for the completion of the machinery of 16 other ships ordered in previous years. These are of the compound type, to be worked with steam of 90 lb. to 130 lb.