HC Deb 11 March 1898 vol 54 c1378
LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (York)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will settle all doubts as to the qualities of the Belleville boilers by ordering the Diadem to steam across the Atlantic at 12,500 horse-power when ready for sea?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. G. J. GOSCHEN,) St, George's, Hanover Square

The Diadem, like all other ships in commission, will have to make the 24 hours' passage trial prescribed by the Regulations once a quarter. Any further trials that may be necessary to satisfy the Admiralty as to her efficiency will be made. It is not advisable to start a newly-commissioned ship on a long-continued run at full speed until the engine-room staff have had time to become accustomed to their engines and to their duties generally, unless in a case of emergency. Much better results are obtained with both men and machinery by training the former gradually, under conditions that admit of errors being pointed out and any defects remedied sis they occur.