HC Deb 22 February 1911 vol 21 c1884
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether there has been any delay in the construction and completion of the destroyers of the Basilisk type?

Mr. McKENNA

Of the sixteen destroyers of the "Beagle" class, eleven were delivered before the contract date, and three on or within a few days of the contract date. One, the "Racoon," was delivered six weeks late, and one, the "Nautilus," met with an accident and is at present five months overdue.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to put into operation the penal clause in regard to the date of the contract?

Mr. McKENNA

In the case of the "Nautilus," it was an accident. Of course, the point will be carefully examined.