§ Mr. ASHLEYasked why the cruiser "Yarmouth" had not yet been delivered by the contractors, the contract date for completion being September, 1911; and why the cruisers "Dartmouth" and "Falmouth," commissioned in October and September, 1911, respectively, had since then both been two months in dockyard hands?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that the chief causes of the delay in the delivery of the "Yarmouth" are labour troubles and the consequent shortage of labour. The question of minor causes is being investigated, but no decision has yet been arrived at. The "Dartmouth" was in dockyard hands for repairs to one of her four turbines, but the cause of the defects has not yet been definitely ascertained. The repairs were carried out at the cost of the machinery contractors. The "Falmouth" was in hand for repairs to one of her boilers, which had become defective owing to faulty supervision. The necessary disciplinary measures have been taken.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement that these cruisers have been two months in 1858 dockyard hands? If so, is not that unsatisfactory?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe position with regard to these two cruisers is exactly as I have described it.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not a fact that practically within a month of these two ships being commissioned they had to be put into dock for two months? Is that satisfactory?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not know that, if that were often the case, it would be satisfactory; but it is not true to say that the ships are not satisfactory.
§ Sir W. BYLESIs anyone a penny the worse for this?