§ MR. GOURLEYI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty the nature of the alterations and overhaul intended in the battle-ship "Agincourt"; whether the machinery is to be converted into that of triple or quadruple, and what he 1459 anticipates will be her coal endurance and speed, when completed; whether intended to be fitted with breech-loading, and quick-firing, and other modern guns; and will he also state the cost of the proposed conversion?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONIt is intended to fit the "Agincourt" with new boilers, which are in store and available, and to limit repairs in other respects to the work necessary to bring the ship into a condition of efficiency for active service. New machinery will not be supplied. No change of armament is proposed except the introduction of some small quick-firing guns. These repairs are estimated to cost about £35,000.