§ MR. RUNCIMANTo ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the engine and hull designs of the fast steamships which are to be constructed under the Cunard agreement have yet been completed; if so, whether the building has yet been started; and when the first instalment in respect of these vessels will appear on the Estimates.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) As the Admiralty are not responsible for the engine and hull designs of these vessels, which have not yet been submitted to them in their final form, I am unable to give authoritative information with respect to their progress, but it is understood that they are well advanced. The building of the vessels has not yet commenced. I am not at present in a position to answer the latter part of the Question.