HC Deb 04 December 1912 vol 44 c2265
5. Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any flaws have been discovered in the armour of any of His Majesty's ships, built or building?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Flaws are occasionally discovered in armour plates of His Majesty's ships, such flaws consisting in general of shellings-off of small portions of the outer face. Suitable action is taken in each particular case. If the defects are sufficiently important, the plate is replaced. If they are not considered to be of material importance, steps are taken to flush up the surface. The cases which have come to notice recently are the ordinary cases, none calling for special remark.

Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in consequence of the delay in building ships, take into consideration the subject of the Admiralty providing their own armour plates, under a question of royalty?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.