§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether complaints have been received of the inefficient condition of certain of His Majesty's Ships on the Australian station; whether the boiler-tubes of His Majesty's Ship "Prometheus" were so leaky that, during a voyage from Sydney to Thursday Island the vessel was forced to anchor whilst sufficient water was made to take her into Cairns; and whether, at the time of her sailing from Sydney on 15th November last, she was reported in all respects fit for sea?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe "Prometheus" has been temporarily disabled under circumstances which are about to be the subject of a court of inquiry. Pending that inquiry, I am unable to make a statement on the subject. The "Prometheus" was selected for the service required by the Commander-in-Chief, who it may therefore be inferred, considered her fit for sea. Her boilers were retubed last year.