MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Bright-side)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any further reason for delay exists with regard to the distribution of orders for the armour required for the battleships of the current financial year.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) There has been no delay with regard to the distribution of these orders. The provision made in the Navy Estimates did not 1195 allow for the placing of the orders before the latter part of the financial year, and this date will fully meet the requirements of the shipbuilding programme. The orders will be placed as soon as the tenders which have been received have had proper consideration.