MR. BELLAIBS (Lynn Regis)To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date were the first consignments received for building the large armoured vessel H.M.S. "Defence" which was laid down on 22nd February, 1905, in one of the royal dockyards; and, in view of the fact that nearly four years has elapsed since the construction of this vessel was commenced and five years since she was designed, whether he can now state when all workmen will be out of her, and the ship take her place in one of the commissioned fleets.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The first consignments of material for the "Defence" were received, on 16th November, 1904, but material suitable for preparing to build was not received until 3rd December, 1904. It is expected that the ship will be completed by the 31st December, but this date depends upon the completion of certain contract work in connection with her boilers.