HC Deb 14 December 1911 vol 32 cc2540-1
Mr. ASHLEY

asked 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. CHURCHILL

Twenty 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. ASHLEY

What 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. CHURCHILL

There is no reference to any penalty in the question.