MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admi- 86 ralty whether the Board of Admiralty have now come to any conclusion as to the adoption of the turbine system of propulsion for vessels of His Majesty's Fleet; has it been found from the experience of the "Viper" that this system, besides giving greater speed, enables all the engines to be placed below the water-line, that it entirely gets rid of all vibration, and thus greatly diminishes the risk of breakdowns, as well as the discomfort caused by vibration, that the turbine engines occupy little more than half the space required for corresponding engines of the usual type, thus affording more space for stowage of fuel or ammunition, and that fewer men are needed in the engine room; do the Admiralty propose to adopt this system in any of the battleships, cruisers, or destroyers included in this year's programme of new construction; and, if not, why not.
§ * MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNo conclusion has yet been reached as to the adoption of the turbine system of propulsion for vessels of His Majesty's fleet. Trials are now in progress with the "Viper" under service conditions, and in comparison with other destroyers. Much valuable information, which will assist in reaching a decision as to further applications of the turbine system, will thus be obtained. Experience with the "Viper" has shown that a higher speed can be realised with her turbo-motors than can be obtained in a destroyer of similar dimensions and form fitted with ordinary engines. Vibration is practically avoided. It does not appear correct to say that the turbo-motor engines necessarily occupy less space than the ordinary reciprocating engines, but they require less vertical height and therefore can, as the hon. Member suggests, be more easily kept below the water-line—an undoubted advantage. The total engine room and boiler room complement of the "Viper" is larger than that required in the 30-knot destroyers fitted with the ordinary engines, but the horse-power developed at her maximum speed is greatly in excess in the former ship. Proposals with outline designs for fitting turbo-motors in third class cruisers and new types of destroyers are now under consideration. No decision has been reached respecting vessels 87 included in this year's programme. It is not contemplated at present to adopt the system on battleships or large cruisers.