§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether during the late fleet manœuvres torpedo boat No. 30 was helpless in a seaway for over six hours and in considerable danger; whether her position was due to her rolling causing suction to be lost, having only oil fuel; whether the main engines could not be worked; whether other torpedo boats in the same flotilla experienced the same loss of suction in a minor degree; and, if so, what steps the Admiralty intend to take to overcome dangers of this character in other vessels fitted for burning oil fuel only?
1832W
§ Mr. CHURCHILLDuring the late manœuvres torpedo boat No. 30 was temporarily disabled in a rough sea, as her main inlet rolled out of water, and consequently the main circulating system failed. She was disabled in consequence for five hours, two and a half of which she spent at anchor. The "Bonaventure" was standing by her from one and a half Louis after she broke down. The same loss of suction has been experienced in other shallow-draught steamers. The Admiralty are experimenting with an additional inlet which promises well. The fact that these vessels burn oil only has no bearing on the case.