§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether the cruiser "Indefatigable" was, after being commissioned, prevented from joining the First Cruiser Squadron for some time owing to defects in. her steam pipes; whether the ship recently had to be docked at Devonport owing to defects in 1133 her plating, both internal and external; what was the total number of days that were spent by this ship in dockyard hands or under trial since she was commissioned; and what was the cost of such alterations and repairs as had been carried out in her?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe "Indefatigable" was commissioned before she had undergone the final machinery acceptance trials. Some alterations were considered desirable to the steam pipes before the final trials, and in consequence the vessel was longer in commission before joining the fleet than is usually the case. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The defects were of a very slight character. Fifty-nine days, up to and including the 31st July, were spent by the "Indefatigable" in dockyard hands or under trial after commission. The cost of completing the ship and all subsequent work carried out was £3,155.