§ Viscount HELMSLEYasked the right hon. Gentleman how many of the four capital ships to be laid down in July and November, respectively, will be built in Government yards?
§ Mr. McKENNATwo of the armoured ships will be laid down in Government yards.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYI wish to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Board has yet taken steps to obtain tenders from private firms for the construction of capital ships; and, if so, from how many firms have tenders been invited and for what number of ships?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; we expect tenders from eight firms for two armoured vesels on 21st April.