§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many destroyers of the 1909–10 programme were completed within the limit of time imposed by the contracts, and how many exceeded that limit; whether the destroyer "Fury," which was due for completion in April last, has yet been handed over by the contractors; if so, on what date; and what was the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTwenty torpedo-boat destroyers were included in the 1009–10 programme, of which fifteen were delivered before the contract date, and four after the contract date. The "Fury" has not yet been delivered owing to delays caused by labour troubles and an accidental fire. It must be regarded as satisfactory that of these twenty boats all, with the exception of the "Fury," have in the aggregate been delivered before the contract date for completion.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhat penalty will be imposed upon the contractors who are building the vessel, in view of the fact that eight months' delay on an eighteen months' contract is very excessive?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is no reference to any penalty in the question.