§ MR. HARMSWORTHI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state if it is the intention of the Lords of the Admiralty to shortly recall H. M. S. "Canopus" from the Mediterranean squadron; and, if so, for what reasons they are taking this step; whether the boilers, condensers, and economisers of this ship require repairing of replacement; whether he will state why, during the recent manœuvres of the Mediterranea squadron, this ship was compelled to withdraw; how many times this vessel has been in the dockyard under repair during her commission, and the longest period she remained in the dockyard on any occasion; whether it is usual to bring back battleships at the end of their first three years in the Mediterranean; and if he can state what this vessel has cost in repairs to boilers and otherwise during the period of her commission.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIt is intended to recall the "Canopus" from the Mediterrean, as she requires an extensive refit. Battleships requiring small refits are sentto Malta, but it is now the practice to 1321 bring back all battleships which require large refits at the end of three years, and to repair them in the home dockyards. The boilers and economisers of the "Canopus" are of the earliest type of their class, which have been found to be less satisfactory than the later designs. The ship was ordered not to take part in chasing in the Mediterranean manœuvres, on account, it is believed, of defects in her economisers. The "Canopus" has been under repair on eleven occasions since she was commissioned. The longest period for which she has been in dockyard hands is four months eight days. The cost of repairs to her boilers since first commissioning has been about £3,100, and the total cost of repairs £15,800.
§ SIR WILLIAM ALLANIs it not the fact that this battleship's economisers and boilers are practically done, and that the vessel cannot steam?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI have no such information. When I have the report as to what the defects are I shall be ready to give the House the information. I shall ascertain exactly what is wrong.
§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Woolwich)Will the hon. Gentleman recommend that these boilers shall be at once placed on the scrap-heap, so that the country's money shall not be expanded on useless repairs?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe question of effective repairs must be decided by the Controller of the Navy; but the Question of the noble Lord will be brought under his notice.