MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement that after H.M.S. Resolution had been surveyed and reported uninjured in structure and was about to sail, it was discovered that two of her torpedo lubes were injured, and whether he can explain how it was that these injuries were not discovered during the survey; and whether there is any, and if so what, foundation for the statement that since the return of the vessel numerous desertions from her have taken place, and whether he can state how many such desertions, if any, have occurred?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHNo information respecting injury to torpedo tubes in the Resolution has been received at the Admiralty. It is therefore presumed that the defects (if any) are of a trivial nature. The ship has been reported ready for sea, and sailed for Gibraltar to-day. The statement alluded to in the second paragraph of the question rests on no better foundation than the absence without leave of one seaman and tyro stokers.
§ MR. WOLFF (Belfast, E.)Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the cost of the repairs to this ship. Did it exceed £350?
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThey took less time than was anticipated. I have no information as to the cost.