§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state why the Terrible is being kept in dry dock, and what is the nature of the repairs being done to her; are economisers being fitted in her; and what will be the total cost of the repairs including all dock charges?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. G. J. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareThe Terrible is not now in dry dock. She was docked to examine her bottom, and to investigate the cause of a slight increase of power required in relation to speed. It was found that the friction of the propeller shafts had increased, but it was reduced to the normal amount by simple lubrication. The principal repairs done to the ship were the readjustments of the intermediate slide valves and high pressure piston rod glands, and the re-making of joints in various steam-pipes. The sequence of the cranks has also been altered to reduce vibration. Economisers are not being fitted. The cost has not yet been ascertained, as the work is not finally completed. It will not be large.