§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Admiralty stated on 16th March, 1911, that a hospital ship would be built for the Navy; that the sum of £8,000 was allocated for this ship last year; and that this year £68,000 has been allocated for this ship; will he say what amount of money has already been spent out of these two sums, giving the amounts separately; whether tenders have been called for and received; and whether he will state to the House the amount of the tender and the earliest date that this ship will be fully equipped to take her place in the Fleet?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is the fact that we have stated that a hospital ship would be built for the Navy, that the sum of £8,000 was allocated for this ship last year, and that this year £68,000 has been allocated for this ship. So far no money has been spent. Tenders have been called for and received, but, as the Noble Lord is aware, it is contrary to Admiralty practice to quote the amount of the tender. I am afraid I cannot say when the ship will be equipped to take her place in the Fleet.