§ 13. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how much money is being claimed by the contractors as compensation for the dropping of the contracts for the three sisters of His Majesty's Ship "Hood"; whether a decision has been reached as to how much the contractors are to be paid; and what has been done with the partially-completed hulls, the boilers, engines, and armour-plate of these three ships?
§ Mr. AMERYI regret that I am unable to give details of the amounts claimed as compensation for the cancellation of these contracts. No decision has yet been reached as to what amounts, if any, the contractors are to be paid. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 8th June, the claims are being investigated, 388 and the Admiralty decision depends on the result of the investigation. With regard to the last part of the question, the material, worked and unworked, for the hulls has all been sold. The main engines and boilers were only in a partially completed state, generally as castings, forgings, and plates. Material suitable for existing ships or store purposes has been retained and the remainder has been sold. No orders for armour for these ships had been placed before the decision to discontinue their construction was reached.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHow is it that the hon. Gentleman is not in a position to state the amount of money claimed by the contractors? How is it that the figures are not known at the Admiralty?
§ Mr. AMERYI am not in a position to give accurate details. There are several points with regard to details which have not yet been settled.