HC Deb 01 March 1911 vol 22 cc353-4
Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked whether the electrical fittings for the gun-mounting of H.M.S. "Invincible" have again broken down; whether these fittings have continually broken down after the guns have been fired; whether H.M.S. "Invincible" has been placed in dock, or in a basin, preparatory to taking out the whole of the electrical gun-mounting fittings and replacing them by hydraulic machinery; whether such an alteration would take at least six months to carry out; and whether he would state to the House the original cost of the electrical gun-mounting fittings for the ship?

Mr. McKENNA

Certain of the electrical fittings for the gun-mountings of the ship are not entirely satisfactory, and the contractors are now effecting improvements at their own cost. The answer to the third part of the Noble Lord's question is in the negative, and to the fourth part in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not possible to separate the cost of the electrical gun-mounting fittings from the total cost of the gun-mounting machinery of the "Invincible," which was the same as the cost of the gun-mounting machinery for the "Inflexible" with hydraulic mountings.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Will it take six months?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to the third part of the Noble Lord's question is in the negative, but the supposition the Noble Lord puts that it would take six months is correct. As a matter of fact, what is being done will not take six months, but only three months. The opportunity is being taken for the long refitting of the ship to be undertaken at the same time as the change is made in the electrical mountings.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Then the ship is going to be changed from electrical to hydraulic fittings?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir. If I used the word "change" I should have said "repair" or "modification."

Lord C. BERESFORD

Of electrical fittings?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, of electrical fittings.

Mr. LEE

When will this ship be able to take her place among the effective ships of the Fleet?

Mr. McKENNA

I think the improvements which are now being effected by the contractors will run concurrently with the long refitting and together they will occupy a period of about three months.