§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether the four additional contingent ships of the 1909–10 programme were laid down on 1st April in accordance with the official promises?
§ Mr. McKENNANo promises that the keels would be laid on 1st April were given. The date for laying down the keel of a ship is a matter for the contractors and not the Admiralty. The contract date of completion in the case of each of the extra four ships of the 1909–10 programme is 1st April, 1912.