ADMIRAL MAYNE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether it is intended to replace the present obsolete and decayed sheers at Pembroke by efficient sheers capable of lifting the boilers and machinery into the Aurora and Nile now building there, and any large ships which may be built there; if not, will it be the most economical course, and consistent with safety, to launch these vessels as mere shells and tow them round to other yards in a state of utter 703 helplessness to be engined and completed?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The expense of replacing the sheers at Pembroke will be very considerable, and could not be effected in time to place the Aurora's machinery on board. The Admiralty do not feel justified in incurring the expense of new sheers solely for the Nile's machinery, being of opinion that it would be more advantageous and economical to tow the ship to Portsmouth. Such a removal it is considered can, under proper precautions, be made with perfect safety.