§ 1. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is possible, either by enlarging or constructing now slips, to build more capital ships in the Royal dockyards than can de done in existing conditions?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Yes, Sir; I believe it would be possible.
§ 8. Mr. WHELERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when a reply will be given to the petition presented by the yard craft men of His Majesty's dockyards last year?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid that I cannot forecast the date, as a very large number of questions will require full consideration in connection with the report.
§ Mr. WHELERDo I understand that the yard craft men have not had an answer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARATrue. When the petitions were received it was intended to appoint a Committee to explore the whole field of service and conditions A good many questions are involved in that I cannot forecast the date of the report.
§ Mr. WHELERMay we take it that the reply will be given in this year's answers to petitions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Committee was appointed in October, 1912, and we shall use all expedition Whether we can get the replies out in time to include them in this year's answers to petitions I do not know, but it is my hope—I cannot say definitely—and every endeavour will be made to do so.