§ MR. GOURLEYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can inform the House the cost of the damage sustained by the Camperdown arising out of the collision with the Victoria inclusive and exclusive of the cost of the crew; whether it is true that the "A" frame of the port propeller shafting is so damaged as to necessitate the return of the vessel to the United Kingdom for repairs, there being neither facilities or plant for doing the work at Malta; and whether the Admiralty in future will provide that vessels of this and all other classes shall always have on board spare shafting propellers and other spare gear which cannot be obtained in the event of accident abroad?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThe actual cost is not yet known, but the estimate for repairing the damage to the Camperdown is £2,500. A slight defect, unconnected with the collision, has been discovered in the "A" frame which carries the port propeller shafting. This can be remedied without bringing the ship home. Spare gear, including spare propeller-blades, are carried by all Her Majesty's ships to the extent which experience has shown to be desirable. The Camperdown had spare shafting also.