HC Deb 17 April 1902 vol 106 cc524-5
MR. WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state what is the nature of the repairs to the Belleville boilers of H.M.S "Diadem," if such repairs involve new boilers, and if tenders are being asked from private firms for the work; if so, what are the quoted amounts of each firm, and what is the tenour of the specification on which the tenders are based.

MR. HARMSWORTH (Caithnessshire)

Will the Secretary to the Admiralty also state the causes which have led to he withdrawal of the "Diadem" from the Channel Squadron; whether this vessel has been ordered to be re-boilered; and, if so, will he state what make of boilers she was originally fitted with when she hoisted her pennant on joining the Channel Squadron, and what will be the cost of the re-boilering.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The work to be done on the boilers of the "Diadem" is the repair of the boiler casings, and is part of the general refit of the ship after three and a half years service. The repairs will not involve new boilers. It is proposed to carry out the repairs by contract. Tenders will be invited as soon as the list of the principal items of the work has been received from the Dockyard. It is intended to adopt the principle of working upon a schedule of prices.

MR. WILLIAM ALLAN

May I ask if this new vessel is absolutely unfit for sea?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

At the present moment, certainly. Most vessels are, after being three and a half years in commission.

MR. WILLIAM ALLAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that vessels have run twenty years without requiring such expenditure?