§ Mr. LONSDALEasked whether any orders have yet been given to contractors under the special powers conferred upon the Government, to prepare for laying down four first-class battleships on 1st April, 1910, or earlier?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the hon. Member is in the negative.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the designs be prepared, so that if construction is decided upon, it can be proceeded with at once?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would rather not say anything at this moment as to designs of future battleships.
§ Mr. LONSDALEIs it not necessary that the designs should be put in hand at once, if the battleships are to be constructed within a reasonable time?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. I think the hon. Member had better not press me at the present moment on the subject of designs.