§ MR. NIELD (Middlesex, Ealing)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the new-armoured cruiser "Defence" is still detained at Pembroke; and, if so, to what cause is the detention due and when is she likely to get her crew and leave the dockyard.
§ MR. MCKENNAThe ship has been detained at Pembroke on account of the non-delivery of some of the capstan gear by the firm who have the contract for its supply. This gear has now been delivered, and when it has been fitted, the ship will be ready to leave Pembroke Dockyard. The crew will be available when the ship is ready.