§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that distress prevails at the present time among the workers in the heavy trades of Sheffield, owing to the lack of armour plate orders; and whether, having regard to the expenditure of capital by firms in the iron trade in the construction of plant at the instance of the Government, he will expedite the call for tenders for the armour plating of ships under coustruction.
(Answer.) Representations have been made to the Admiralty that the unavoidable delay in placing the new orders for armour has had the unfortunate effect stated. The tenders for the armour of the battleships of the "King Edward VII." class have already been received, and three Sheffield firms have been informed that orders will be placed with them provided they can name satisfactory dates for delivery under the required conditions. The final placing of these orders will therefore be effected almost immediately. Tenders for armour for the new cruisers now under construction will also be invited within the next few days.—(Admiralty.)