§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked whether His Majesty's Ship "Orion," or any other battleships or battle-cruisers of the latest type, has shown a tendency towards excessive rolling; whether such rolling has been so heavy on certain occasions that it has been found very difficult or impossible for the elevating gear of the heavy guns to keep pace with it; whether, in consequence, it is considered desirable to fit these ships with larger bilge keels; and whether the present dimensions of our dry docks will permit such alterations to be carried out to any substantial extent?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The "Orion" has rolled somewhat more deeply than the earlier ships of the type in company with her, and steps have been taken to increase substantially the area of her bilge keels. No difficulty in connection with docking her is anticipated.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDDoes that mean that after the additions to the bilge keels there will be no difficulty in docking the ship?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is proposed to add to the bilge keel, and the additions contemplated will not interfere with the docking of the ship.