HC Deb 03 July 1902 vol 110 c689
SIR WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will say what was the nature of the breakdown of the machinery of His Majesty's first-class cruiser "Sutlej" on her trials on 30th June, necessitating her return to Portsmouth instead of joining the Channel Squadron.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The trials of the "Sutlej" were interrupted by heated bearings. The ship has gone round to Sheerness for the re-adjustment of the bearings in the dockyard. When full particulars of the work to be done have been received I shall be happy to communicate them to the hon. Member.

SIR WILLIAM ALLAN

Having regard to the numerous cases of breakdown in the case of first-class cruisers, will the hon. Gentleman recommend the Admiralty to appoint a Departmental Committee to investigate the circumstances?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

These trials are instituted for the purpose of discovering defects, and there is no necessity for appointing a Departmental Committee to perform functions appertaining to the Engineer-in-Chief.

SIR WILLIAM ALLAN

I beg to give notice that at an early date I shall move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the causes of the breakdown of these first-class cruisers.