§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the "Rifleman" and five other destroyers of the second flotilla have developed structural defects during the recent manœuvres; 13 and, if so, whether he is in a position to give any information regarding the matter to the House?
§ Mr. McKENNANo official information has been received, and it would not in any case be possible to arrive at the reason for any defects which may have developed until an official examination had been made and reported on.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the fact that these defects have developed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is exactly the point that I am unable to answer. The hon. Gentleman asked me whether certain vessels had developed structural defects, and that is the very point on which I cannot give an answer till an examination has been made and a report made upon it. It may be that certain defects have arisen owing to the rough weather to which the vessels have been subjected.