HC Deb 13 April 1893 vol 11 c192
MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Vulcan torpedo depôt ship, Thunderer battle-ship, and other vessels, which have had their defective tubing fitted with ferrules, have been since tested at normal and forced draught speed for any length of time at sea; if so, will he state the speed obtained under both conditions, and how much above or under the original estimate?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) Dundee

The Thunderer, vulcan, and other vessels have had their boilers fitted with ferrules with very satisfactory results. The most extensive trials of ferruled boiler tubes have been made in the Thunderer. Sea trial from Portsmouth to Madeira, occupying 101 hours, at four-fifths specified natural draught power: Mean indicated horse- power, 4,458; specified, 4,400; mean speed, 12.98 knots; estimated, 13.0 knots. The ship then remained at Madeira for three days and returned to Portsmouth, working under the same conditions, the trip occupying 99½ hours: Mean indicated horse-power, 4,592; specified, 4,400; mean speed, 13.11 knots; estimated, 13.0.

MR. W. ALLAN (Gateshead)

Arising out of the question, I should like to ask if the tubes in all the boilers fitted with ferrules are found to be perfectly tight and safe when the boilers are under the forced pressure necessary to give the vessels their maximum speed?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

I must ask for notice of that question.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

was understood to ask when the Report of the Boiler Committee would be presented?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

I cannot answer that without notice.