§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked when the "Lion," "Princess Royal," "Conqueror," "Monarch," and "Thunderer" are to be commissioned; why they have been delayed in construction; and what penalties will be inflicted on the builders for exceeding the contract date of completion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOrders have been given for the "Monarch" to be commissioned about the fourth week in March; the other ships will be commissioned as soon as they are delivered by the contractors or completed by the dockyard. The ships named in the question are not due for delivery until 31st March next. It is anticipated that there will be delay in the dates of completion of the "Princess Royal," "Conqueror," and "Thunderer," owing to labour and other troubles. The dates for the completion of the "Lion" has extended from 29th November last to 31st March next on account of delay on the part of the machinery contractors in delivering the turbine machinery. A further delay of a few weeks will be necessary on account of the alterations that recent experience has shown to be desirable. The question of penalties in the case of contract-built ships cannot be considered prior to the completion of the contract.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say in regard to questions of labour whether he refers to strikes or to the inability of the Labour Exchanges to provide labour?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLLabour Exchanges have nothing to do with this.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to maintain the two years' principle of construction more rigidly in the future than has been the case in the past?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEvery effort will be made to ensure construction according to the prescribed contracts, but from one cause or another delays are necessitated. All I can say is that every effort will be made to keep them at a minimum.