§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state what is the average bunker capacity of the "Scout" class; and whether it is contemplated that these vessels will be able to maintain a sea-speed of 25 knots when loaded to that capacity.
§ SIR JOHN COLOMBTo ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the coal capacity at load draught of the "Scout" class is correctly stated in the Navy Estimates this year, pp. 225 and 227, at 150 tons; and, if so, whether these vessels will be required to attain a speed of 25 knots at the contractor's trials when loaded with sufficient coal for 3,000 miles at 10 knots.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The average bunker capacity of the "Scout" class is 485 tons. The sea speed expected from these vessels when loaded to their full capacity, carrying 485 tons, is not 25 knots, but 24.6 knots, and this speed will increase as the coal is expended. I regret that there was an inaccuracy in my statement to the House of Commons on this subject on Thursday last, as I find that only half and not the full amount of coal required for steaming 3,000 miles at 10 knots is required to be carried on full speed contractors' trials, and this amount does not differ materially from the 150 tons mentioned in the Estimates, and quoted in the recent article in The Times.