§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty with reference to the extensive pitting and oxidation of the bottom plates of the new armoured cruiser, H.M.S. "Antrim," whether any reports as to signs of oxidation and pitting were received at or prior to the time the ship was taken over from the contractors in 1905; and whether he can state if H.M.S. "Argyll" and any other ships are similarly affected.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe "Antrim" was dry docked immediately prior to acceptance from contractors, and at that time no oxidation or pitting existed in the bottom plating for the vessel. A certain amount of pitting and oxidation has been found in the bottom plating of the "Argyll" and other vessels, but to a much less extent than in the case of the "Antrim."