HC Deb 22 April 1902 vol 106 cc929-30
MR. WILLIAM ALLAN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state how many tubes were in the condensers of H.M.S. "Spartiate?," how many were faulty, what was the nature of the fault, and what time, in days, has been spent in re-tubing the condenser.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

There are 10,101 tubes in the main and 2,474 tubes in the auxiliary condensers of the "Spartiate." Whilst steaming, three of the tubes in the main condenser broke, and one tube split in consequence 100 tubes were drawn for examination and test. The results were not satisfactory, and it was decided entirely to retube the condenser. The time taken in withdrawing the old tubes was ten days, and in inserting the new tubes fifty-three days. The "Spartiate" will recommence her trials today or tomorrow.

MR. WILLIAM ALLAN

What has kept the vessel idle two years?