§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statements made in The Times of 27th July, concerning the defective ventilation of H.M.S. Anson; whether it is a fact that, although pipes and valves have been provided, a sufficiency of fans has never been fitted to carry out the proper ventilation of the ship; whether it is intended to fit additional fans when the ship next goes into dock; whether any money has ever been voted for that purpose; and, if so, at what time; whether he will consider if the general ventilation of ships of a low freeboard might be improved by a more general use of cowls fixed on the upper decks, removable at the discretion of the officers of the ship; and whether regulations could be made, as is already done in regard to the ventilation of coal bunkers, to prevent the removal of cowls necessary for the effective ventilation of the living quarters of such ships?
*THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH, Lancashire, Clitheroe)(1)-(3) Attention has been given to the ventilation of the Anson and her sister ships. Experience gained on actual service indicated that when ships wore battened down at sea for some time some additional artificial ventilation was desirable. One or two ships of the class were altered, more fan power being introduced; and in these the improved system was tested, with success. It was then decided to alter the other ships as opportunity offered. The Anson is now in hand. (4) The work was originally intended to be done in the Anson in 1892–3, but had to be deferred. (5) Such arrangements are always carried out as far as practicable. (6) No special regulations are considered necessary. The matter should be within the discretion of the captain.