§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will say what is the nature of the repairs to H.M.S. "Spartiate" which prevents her trials; when will she be ready for trial; what has been the cost of these repairs; and if this cost is borne by the contractors for the machinery or by the country.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe delay in completion of H.M.S. "Spartiate" is due to the necessity for replacing the Condenser Tubes which were found to be defective and unsuitable. New tubes have been supplied by the manufacturers at a reduced price. The cost of the work will be borne by the Crown, as the machinery contractors are in liquidation. It will not be possible to state the cost of the work on the condensers as apart from the cost of other work until the complete accounts of the expenditure have been supplied. It is expected that the ship will be completed and able to resume her trials by the end of the month. If the hon. Member will repeat his Question with regard to the cost of the replacing of the Condenser Tubes at a later date. I will endeavour to give him the information he requires.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANIs it simply the condenser which causes the trouble?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERYes, that is so.