HC Deb 20 March 1912 vol 35 cc1859-60
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all the destroyers of the "Acorn" class have been under repair shortly after being commissioned; and, it so, whether their condition is now regarded as being satisfactory?

Mr. CHURCHILL

With the exception of the "Fury," all the destroyers of the "Acorn" class have been in dockyard hands for a short period. As the result of a very severe test to which these vessels were subjected in a heavy sea, it was considered desirable to strengthen a portion of the fore part of their hulls. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Is the effect of strengthening their hulls to alter their speed?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, I do not think that that will be the case.