§ Sir BERKELEY SHEFFIELDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if orders have now been placed for gun-mounting of the two capital ships to be built in Government yards.
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)Invitations to tender for the mountings of these ships will be sent out shortly.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has done anything to carry into effect the pledge given during the Debate on the Navy Estimates that trial orders would be given to another' firm besides the two supplying the Government?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe expression "whether anything has been done to carry into effect "covers so much ground that I would like to have notice of this question.
§ Mr. A. LEEThe right hon. Gentleman says that invitations are about to be sent out. Will they be sent to the third firm?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think I would rather not say to whom they are to be sent.
§ Mr. W. CROOKSCan the right hon. Gentleman now state whether Woolwich is to have a share in these orders for gun-mountings?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; Woolwich is not at the present moment equipped with the necessary machinery.