§ LORD C. BERESFORDI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether H.M.S. Diadem has been passed into the Fleet Reserve; and whether, to thoroughly test her capabilities, in view of the breakdown of H.M.S. Terrible, on her cruise from Gibraltar, he will order the Diadem to undertake a full speed cruise across the Atlantic?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYThe Diadem was commissioned on the 19th instant. A programme of steam trials has been arranged for her with a view to obtaining all the information required. It does not include a cruise at full speed across the Atlantic, but if fully carried out it will give a very thorough test of the efficiency of the engines. The object of the trials is to investigate carefully all the points connected with the machinery which may be found capable of improvement.
§ LORD C. BERESFORDWill the right honourable Gentleman publish these trials, since there is great doubt as to the efficiency of the Belleville boilers, and it would be satisfactory if those doubts could be removed?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYI presume it will be possible to do so, but I do not wish to commit myself without consideration. I am most anxious that every publicity should be given to the matter.