§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the destroyer "Afridi," who could not attain her contract speed, was accepted owing to the deficiency of destroyers of the newest type, and what steps are being taken to ensure that any other work by the firm who built her shall be carried out in a satisfactory manner?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe "Afridi" was not accepted on account of deficiency of destroyers of the newest type. Her specified deep sea speed was 33 knots. Over the Maplin course she attained an average speed, during the contract period of six hours, of 33.254 knots. This was considered to be equivalent to a deep sea speed of 32¾ knots, and she was accepted at that speed subject to the reduced payment to the firm as provided in the contract. In dealing with these very high speed vessels failure to attain the specified deep sea speed by a fraction of a knot cannot be held to reflect upon the efficiency of the contractors. The Admiralty system of inspection ensures that no work is passed into the Naval Service which is not in accordance with the contract, and no special steps, as suggested in the latter part of the question, appear to be necessary.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not a fact that the hon. Gentleman informed us only last week that this vessel was accepted because of a deficiency in the destroyers in His Majesty's service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo; I said she was required for His Majesty's service, but not on account of any deficiency.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy did the Government accept this vessel if she was not efficient?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe vessel was part of the programme, but it was not required because of any existing deficiency.