MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, was the tender for the new Admiralty yacht one based on a definite specification and design, or were the conditions of that tender that each firm was to submit its own proposed designs and specifications and a tender for carrying them out; and, if the latter, will the Board of Admiralty consider the advisability of adopting a similar plan of tender for harbours, breakwaters, and other works, with a view of obtaining alternative designs and specifications for these works.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe firms were asked to tender for a sea-going vessel of a certain speed suitable for use as an Admiralty yacht. Certain definite conditions were laid down, but no complete designs and specifications were supplied. I n reply to the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, the practice usually followed at the Admiralty is to obtain a tender on definite specifications and design, but the Admiralty would be prepared to adopt the system under which the design and plan of works are made the subject of competition in any case in which in their opinion it offered distinct advantages.
§ SIR WILLIAM ALLAN (Gateshead)May I ask if the Board of Admiralty submitted specifications and designs to the various firms who were asked to tender?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNo, Sir.