§ MR. WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty 41 whether he can state how many boilers of the Belleville type have been countermanded in accordance with the recent recommendation of the Water-tube Boiler Committee, that such boilers should not be proceeded with in cases of ships whose progress was not too far advanced; and whether any such countermands have been withdrawn, and for what vessels; and whether he can explain the reason for such withdrawals.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER, Belfast, W.)The work in connection with the Belleville boilers of seven ships has been suspended. In the case of one ship, the "Lancaster," the work has been ordered to be resumed, it having been found on inquiry that a change in the type of boiler at the present stage would involve great delay in the completion of this ship.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANIs that the only withdrawal or countermanded order?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe only case of withdrawal in which the work was ordered to be suspended.
§ SIR FORTESCUE FLANNERY (Yorkshire, W.R., Shipley)Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the statement by the chairman of the Thames Ironworks that a countermand had been given in regard to a ship being constructed by them?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNo, Sir, but I will inquire if the hon. Member will give me more specific information. I think I may say positively it is not the case.