MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there is any truth in the rumour that, on entering Ferrol on the occasion when the Howe grounded there, H.M.S. Royal Sovereign also touched the ground; whether, since that occasion, the Royal Sovereign has been docked; if so, whether any signs were then found of her having grounded; and whether any, and, if so, what repairs have been made to her bottom?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH, Lancashire, Clitheroe)I can happily answer all these questions in one word: "No!"