§ MR. GOURLEYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can inform the House the number of moulds that have already been used for the purpose of planking the damage to the port side of H.M.S. Howe, and can he state whether the starboard side has been examined; if so, how many moulds will be required to be used in planking them; in face of the incomplete knowledge of the damage to the bottom, can he now say whether or not there is much chance of saving the vessel; and, in case of failure, what remuneration are the salvors to receive beyond the value of the wreck?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHIt is not known how many moulds have been made for planking the bottom of the Howe, as this work is entirely in the hands of the Salvage Company. The starboard side has been partially examined, but bad weather is delaying the work. The Salvage Company remain confident as to the ultimate successful salvage of 806 the Howe. In case of failure, the salvors do not receive the value of the wreck, or any other remuneration, except in respect of stores that may be salved.