6. Sir ROBERT YOUNGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can explain the reason for the defects in His Majesty's Ship "Fowey" which were discovered during its trials, when the temperature in the engine room rose to 140 degrees and every effort to reduce it failed; whether this class of ship is being built for service in tropical regions; and what will be the cost of altering this ship and the sloops "Bideford," "Rochester," and "Shoreham," now being built at Devonport and Chatham?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe ventilation of the engine room of "Fowey" was found on trial to be entirely satisfactory; no temperature of 140 degrees was recorded therein. A high temperature was reached in the forward boiler room, but this has been remedied by minor modifications at a cost of about £90 and the conditions as found on further trial are now satisfactory. "Fowey" class are intended for service in the tropics.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think so; if they were subject to the same defects, no doubt they will be subject to the same alterations.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the conditions that appertain here make it utterly impossible for the engineers to stand their watch?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, that is not in accordance with the information which I have.