§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the First Lord if he will state to what extent are the "St. Vincent," building at Portsmouth, and the "Collingwood," building at Devonport, likely to be delayed; and what is the cause of this delay?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is expected that the "St. Vincent" will be delayed in completion three months, and the "Collingwood" two months. The cause of delay is the strike on the East Coast last year, which has affected the completion of the machinery.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREHow long have these vessels been building since laid down?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe period of the contract is two years. If they are delayed respectively two months and three months, it will be two years and two months and two years and three months.