§ MR. GEORGE FABER (York)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty why seven submarines have been ordered from Messrs. Vickers since the present Government came into office, and none of any other firm; and whether any firm, excepting that of Messrs. Vickers, has been invited to tender for sub marines; and, if not, why not.
§ MR. LAMBERTMessrs. Vickers were the firm who first took up submarine boat construction in this country, and they have gained much experience with these vessels. It is not known that any submarine boat suitable for His Majesty's service has been constructed in the country by any other firm; but if any 909 shipbuilding firm should submit a design of a submarine vessel, such design would receive the full consideration of the Admiralty.
§ MR. GEORGE FABERI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty why the sanction of the Treasury was not first received before submarines were ordered from Messrs. Vickers without competitive tenders having been obtained or other firms invited to compete.
§ MR. LAMBERTThe hon. Member has already been informed by my right hon. friend the Secretary to the Admiralty, in reply to a previous Question on Monday last, that Treasury sanction was not required.
§ MR. GEORGE FABERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the finding of the Public Accounts Committee was to a contrary effect'
§ MR. LAMBERTNot on this subject.
§ MR. GEORGE FABERI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what the approximate difference in cost is likely to be between the submarines commenced in the Government dockyards at Chatham and those ordered from Messrs. Vickers.
§ MR. LAMBERTThe work on the boats building at Chatham is not sufficiently far advanced to enable a reliable estimate to be given.