§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can ascertain from the Thames Ironworks Company the date on which the crane which they have ordered in connection with the "Dreadnought" is to be delivered?
§ Mr. McKENNANine months from the date of the order.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDo I understand that for a period of nine months no material progress is to be made with the construction of the new "Dreadnought"?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; the hon. Member would be in errox in drawing that conclusion.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say yesterday that no substantial progress would be made with the "Dreadnought," and no secret could possibly escape, because the crane would have to be delivered and erected before the work on the vessel really commenced?
§ 1.0 P.M.
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member will remember that yesterday stated I was not aware that any order had been given. The hon. Gentleman asked me to accept the facts from him and to reply on the assumption that his statement was accurate. I could only reply on the information supplied me, but since yesterday I have been able to inform myself better, and I shall be happy to reply to the hon. Member in the course of the Debate which he proposes to raise.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWhat is the date of the contract—the date from which the nine months will be calculated?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have not got the exact date. As a matter of fact, I believe the order was given some time in the course of last month.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked if the First Lord would consult the Con- 1065 struction Department of the Admiralty as to the possibilities arising from foreign workmen supervising the erection of the crane, and, if the answer is unfavourable, will he ask the directors of the company to cancel the foreign contract?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consult all persons and take any precautions that are considered advisable.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYI beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.