§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will include in his promised statement about the "Dreadnought," the increase of cost and displacement due to the last knot and last two knots of extra speed; and whether an explanatory statement will be issued prior to the discussion of the Shipbuilding Vote giving these details for the battleships, cruisers, and submarine boats which are under construction or projected, similar to the information which used to be given in the Navy Estimates.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) It is intended to issue, prior to the discussion on Vote 8, the promised statement in regard to the "Dreadnought," and certain details respecting the other vessels under construction. In reply to the first part of the Question, as any reduction in the speed would vitally alter the design and result in an entirely different ship, the information asked for is not available, and any estimate that might be given would be misleading.