HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 c1033
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state why the destroyer "Nautilus," built by the Thames Ironworks, was only delivered on 7th September this year, when the contract date for delivery was 18th September, 1910?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that the delay was mainly due to a series of accidents. The "Nautilus" (was struck and damaged by unseen wreckage while proceeding down the Thames to carry out trials. This necessitated docking for repairs. She experienced bad weather on the way to Skelmorlie for the purpose of running trials, and sustained further damage, necessitating dry docking for repairs at Greenock. Whilst running her trials she sustained heavy damage as a result of a collision with a steam collier. This again necessitated docking for extensive repairs. Trouble was also experienced with the steering engine and gear as originally constructed, which necessitated docking for alterations.