§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether, in view of the fact that the completion of ships has been considerably delayed by labour troubles, the Admiralty will consider the advisability of allowing a longer 1160 period than two years for the construction of ships of the new programme, so that they may be certainly completed by the time anticipated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not considered necessary to take any steps at present for allowing an extended period as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIn view of the fact that eight very important ships have been considerably delayed quite recently, cannot the right hon. Gentleman make some promise either that the completion of the ships shall be accelerated so that the two years' limit shall be kept, or else that they can be laid down earlier?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know whether that is a correct statement. I cannot see what good purpose would be served by altering the period between laying down and completion.