§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been any delay in the delivery of armour plating for the battle-cruisers "Australia" and "New Zealand"; what was the cause of the delay; and by how much the two ships will exceed their contract period of construction?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere has been some delay in delivery of armour plates for the "New Zealand" and "Australia," attributable to unforeseen difficulties encountered by the armour-plate contractors. The probable delay in the completion of the ships cannot at present be stated.