§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty by how much the "Lion" and "Orion" are expected to exceed the regulation two years' period of construction; and whether the constant delays in the completion of warships are taken into consideration by the Admiralty in the preparation of their Estimates?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The "Orion" was laid down on the 29th November, 1909, and it is expected that she will be completed by the end of this month, an excess of four weeks over the two years. The "Lion" was laid down on the 29th November, 1909, and, subject to her trials being satisfactory, will complete about the end of March, 1912. There are no constant delays in the completion of warships, but in the preparation of Navy Estimates consideration is given to meeting any outstanding liabilities that may be required to be met at a later date in consequence of delay.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEHow is it that there has been in the case of the "Lion" four months' delay of the date of completion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFrom time to time there is no doubt delay, but on the whole the delays are much less prolonged and much less frequent in the preparation of warships than in any other part of the world.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked, in view of the admiral's quarters being placed aft in the "King George V." now completing at Portsmouth, if a stern walk has been fitted; and whether a door in the stern of the ship leading to it from the admiral's cabin was omitted?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA stern walk has been fitted in the "King George V." Doors leading from the admiral's cabin to the stern walk were arranged for in the design, are now in hand, and will be fitted shortly. There has been no error or omission.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEIs it not a fact that the doors were only arranged after the question was put upon the Paper?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is not true. I am informed that they were all arranged for in the original design, and we find that the method adopted is the best and cheapest.