§ MR. WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)I beg to ask the Secretary to the 963 Admiralty whether he will state the nature of the breakdown of the machinery of His Majesty's first-class cruiser "Drake" when on trial on the 14th instant, and if the repairing of these breakdowns is borne by the contractors or the Government; also, what is the nature of the repairs now being done to H.M.S. "Russell," and when will she be ready for her full-speed trials; and what is the nature of the repairs now being carried out on His Majesty's first-class cruisers "Sutlej" and "Spartiate."
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.During the thirty hours trial of the "Drake" a crack was discovered in the wall of one of the steam ports on the port intermediate cylinder, and a second crack was found in the same cylinder on completion of the trial. Repairs are being effected by the contractors at their own cost. They will be completed at an early date, and no injury to the efficiency of the ship is anticipated. A portion of the white metal in the crank main and thrust bearings of the "Russell," on examination after the contractors' full-power trials, was found to be defective. The metal is being renewed. The "Spartiate" has been fitted with new eccentric straps, lined with white metal, and the vessel is now practically ready to resume her trials. Certain of the crank and main bearings of the "Sutlej," which became heated on her recent trial, have also been re lined with white metal. The work is completed, and the vessel will run her commissioning trials today.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANWas not the cracking of the cylinders due to the priming of the boilers?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIn no degree whatever.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANThen why did it not happen before they went on their trials?
§ [No answer was returned.]