§ Mr. ASHLEYasked what was the contract date for the delivery of the destroyer "Nautilus" from the contractors; on what date was the vessel actually delivered; whether she has now been taken into dockyard hands at Chatham; and, if so, for what reason?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is the 18th September, 1910, and to the second part, the 7th September of this year. With regard to the last part of the question, the "Nautilus" was taken in hand at Chatham on 25th instant for a period of about three weeks, the reason being that in going into the North Lock at Chatham on the 24th instant, under the command of her own officers, the vessel sustained damage to some of her frames and to her bottom plating.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say why this destroyer was so abnormally late in delivery: what firm was it that supplied it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should like notice of that question.