§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the three "Invincibles," now in process of building, were contracted out for completion within two years; and what were the respective dates on which they were commenced.
(Answered by Mr. Lambert.) These three ships were contracted out for completion in two and a half years. The 1053 actual dates of laying down were as follows:—"Invincible," 2nd April, 1906; "Inflexible" 5th February, 1906; "Indomitable," 1st March, 1906; but in each case the contract period of two and a half years runs from 21st November, 1905.