1. Captain FABERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state how late the "Audacious" will be in completion, and the reason, if any; whether the "Delhi," "Benbow," and "Tiger," are also late; and, if so, why?
The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Lambert)In the case of the "Ben-bow" no delay is at present anticipated. The "Audacious" will be nine months late, owing to labour troubles. The "Tiger" will be two months late from the same cause. The "Delhi" will be three months late. The Admiralty are not satisfied with the progress made upon this vessel, and have called for a weekly report of the number of men employed upon her. The repeated delays which are occurring in the various private yards are in sharp contrast with the punctuality of the Royal dockyards. The question of assigning a third battleship annually to the dockyards is being considered.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand that in future more ships will be laid down in Royal dockyards than in private yards?
Mr. LAMBERTThe answer which I have given states that the "question of assigning a third battleship annually to the dockyards is being considered.
4. Captain FABERasked whether the "Audacious" will be ready in 1913 or 1914; and whether the "Australia" and "New Zealand," which were commenced in 1909, have done their trials and will be ready this year?
Mr. LAMBERTAccording to present expectations, the "Audacious" will be ready in September, 1913. The "Australia" and "New Zealand" have not carried out all their trials. They will be ready in April, 1913, and January, 1913, respectively.