§ Mr. GRETTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress had been made with the collection of material, gun-mountings, and other parts of the four additional battleships to be laid down in April of next year; and if he would state the names of the firms engaged in this operation of collection and preparation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAn order for the gun-mountings for one ship has been placed with the Coventry Ordnance Company. The tenders for the gun-mountings for the three remaining ships have been received, and are being considered. The contracts for the armour, hulls, and machinery for the vessels will be placed at a sufficiently early date to ensure that there shall be no delay in the proper prosecution of the work.
§ Mr. GRETTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what measures are being taken to recruit and train the additional men necessary for the crews of the additional four battleships.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll necessary measures have been and are being considered to provide for the entry and training of men to meet the prospective requirements of the Fleet.
§ Mr. GRETTONHave any steps been taken to recruit the additional men who will be required for the additional ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I have already stated, the Admiralty are taking all the necessary measures to meet the prospective requirements of the Fleet.