§ Mr. GRETTONasked at what date was the order given to the Coventry Ordnance Company for gun-mountings and when do the Government propose to submit a 8 Supplementary Estimate to meet the expenditure incurred by the firm during the current financial year.
§ Mr. McKENNAPending the arrangement of certain detail, an order for gun-mountings was placed conditionally with the Coventry Ordnance Works on 20th August last. It cannot be stated at the present date whether any instalment under the scheme of payments will be earned this financial year, so that the consideration of a Supplementary Estimate in respect of this firm's orders is premature.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEECan the right hon. Gentleman state whether he anticipates that a Supplementary Estimate on account of these ships will be required?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir. I think I have already stated that a Supplementary Estimate will be required on account of gun-mountings and other equipment.
§ Mr. A. LEEThis Session?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, but this financial year.