§ MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Brightside)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty when he expects that orders will be issued for the armour required for the three dockyard-built cruisers included in the programme of the current year
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The prosecution of the work on the three dockyard-built cruisers, laid down as part of the further programme for the current year, has not yet necessitated the ordering of their armour. Specifications of this armour are being prepared, and the invitations to tender will be issued as soon as they are ready. It is not anticipated that any armour for these ships will be actually ordered till early in the next financial year.