HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 cc905-7

It is estimated that the following is the amount of displacement tonnage which for the three years ending April 1890 will be passed into the fleet ready for commission:—

1887–88. 1888–89. 1889–90.
*75,000 77,000 †75,000

Of this tonnage the following amount belongs to Lord Northbrook's Special Programme:—

1887–88. 1888–89. 1889–90.
21,800 16,800 21,500

All vessels designed during the present year have a margin unappropriated for contingencies of 4 per cent, upon their displacement. The Board have * The reason for the difference between the amount estimated last year and that now estimated will be found on page 5. † Inclusive of Australasian Squadron. adopted this regulation to provide for unforeseen contingencies or weights added during construction, and to keep the vessel to the designed draught, and thus prevent the deeper immersion which the additional weights, for which no allowance has been made, must otherwise cause.