§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the displacement, indicated horse-power, designed speed, and armament of the protected cruisers of the "Chatham" class; when were the three vessels of this type laid down; and when was it anticipated that they would be completed?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The particulars asked for in the first part of the question are substantially the same as for the "Weymouth" class. The "Chatham" was laid down on the 3rd January last, and the anticipated date for her completion is the 31st August, 1912. The "Dublin" and "Southampton" are being laid down this week, and the contract dates for their completion are the 18th June, 1912, and the 19th August, 1912, respectively.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether any destroyers now building for the British Navy are fitted with geared turbines; if so, how many; and what are their displacement and anticipated speed?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is undesirable to give such information regarding ships while under construction. I shall be happy to give the information at a later date.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Charles Parsons and Company have already stated they are building two destroyers with these engines?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, they stated they were building them but they did not state they were building them for the British Admiralty.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEThey did, Sir.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether any vessels, to be fitted with heavy oil or other internal combustion propulsive machinery, are now under construction for the British Navy; if so, what they are; and where they are being built?
§ Mr. McKENNAInternal combustion propulsive machinery is being fitted in submarines and certain small craft. The suitability and development of this type of machinery for other classes of vessels is receiving careful consideration.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked when it was anticipated that the battleships "Colossus" and "Hercules" would be delivered from the contractors?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is expected that both ships will be delivered by or about their contract date—the 1st July next.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked when it is proposed to order the destroyers of the 1911–12 programme; and when it is hoped they will be completed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe destroyers of the 1911–12 programme will probably be ordered in July, and will, it is hoped, be completed in eighteen months from that date.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether H.M.S. "Lion" after launching was found to be leaky; whether some feet of water was let in forward; and whether the caulking of the leaks is sufficient to withstand the sudden shock of shell, torpedo, or collision?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply is in the negative.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether, during the acceptancy trials of H.M.S. "Indefatigable," the bulkhead to the fore end of the engine-room gave way; whether, during the same trials, the steam-pipe joints were found defective; if so, how long it took to carry out repairs; and what was the result of the subsequent trials?
§ Mr. McKENNANo defects such as those indicated in the question have been discovered during the acceptance trials which are expected to be completed today. Several steam-pipes, when undergoing the preliminary water-pressure tests, gave out, and this has involved a delay of about four weeks in the date of the acceptance trials.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand there is nothing wrong about it at all?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is the information I have here.