MR. GIBSON BOWLES () Lynn RegisTo ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if the yacht "Enchantress" is now in commission; what is the difference between her cost as finished and the estimate on which the order was given; where did the speed trials take place, and what was the realised speed as compared with the speed contracted for; did coal consumption trials take place, and, if so, what were the results; and what was the duration of the speed and coal consumption trials respectively.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The "Enchantress" is now in commission. The difference between her cost as finished and the estimate on which the order was given is about £1,200. The speed trials took place in the Irish Channel and Skelmorlie measured mile. Only the trial at fifteen knots was carried out, as it was considered that the pitch of propellers was not suitable for the higher speed of eighteen knots. The eighteen knot trial will be deferred until new propellers are ready. The coal consumption at fifteen knots was 1.94 lbs, per i.h.p. per hour for twenty-four hours.