HC Deb 20 November 1893 vol 18 c1269
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what new battleships have been laid down since August, 1892, and where; and what, were the dales of their commencement?

* THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH,) Lancashire, Clitheroe

The building of the Renown was commenced in February last, and the preparations to build the Magnificent, and Majestic were commenced respectively on the 23rd August and the 12th September. I may, perhaps, remind the House that the completion of other first-class battleships has been accelerated. The Ramillies and the Empress of India have been commissioned; the Resolution will be commissioned early in December; and all the 10 battleships provided for under the Naval Defence Act will be completed by early dates in 1894.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Are we to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that any work was done on the last two battleships before October?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

Oh, yes, Sir; work has been done since the dates which I mentioned.