§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, if any, and if so how much, of the money taken last year for the increase of the Navy has been spent in Ireland; and whether, in the event of any more being taken, it is proposed to spend any more; and if so within what time.
§ *THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) DundeeI assume that the question relates to increased ship-building. Tenders were invited in Ireland for the hulls and machinery of two first-class battleships and six large cruisers, and for the machinery of three other first-class battleships, to be built in the dockyards; but only one tender of those above-named could be accepted (on account of price) for the machinery of a first-class battleship. The money spent last year and liabilities incurred amount to £98,702. It cannot be stated how much more will be spent or in what time; but tenders for any new work will be invited from Irish firms considered competent to undertake it.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Will you say how much of the money was expended at Haulbowline?
§ MR. ROBERTSONThat is not in the question at all.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Would it not be possible to give work at Haul-bowline in the construction of certain classes of ships, such as small cruisers?
§ MR. ROBERTSONI hardly think it is so, but it is a question to which I cannot give a definite answer.
§ MR. CREAN (Queen's County, Ossory)How much of the money has been spent in actual work and how much in superintendence?
§ MR. ROBERTSONI have not the information that would enable me to answer that question.