HC Deb 15 February 1911 vol 21 cc1030-1
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether the boiler-makers' strike in this country, and the ship-builders' and engineers' strike in Germany affected to any material extent the progress of the respective Naval programmes in the two countries; and whether, if so, the delays occasioned are likely to have more dilatory results in the case of German contract work than in our own?

Mr. McKENNA

It is not considered that the ship-builders' and engineers' strike in Germany will seriously affect the dates of completion of German Naval construction, in view of the length of time remaining, after the conclusion of the strike, for the completion of the vessels in the yards affected. As regards this country, the progress on the large armoured ships has been delayed to some extent by the recent labour troubles in connection with the boiler-makers, but it is expected that, notwithstanding this delay, these ships will all be delivered by the contract date. With regard to the remainder of the ships building by contract, there have been slight delays in some cases, but in the aggregate the work is well up to the contract dates for delivery.

An HON. MEMBER

Has any application been made for any extension of time by the contractors?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; at least so far as I am aware.