§ Major KELLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any orders have yet been given out for guns, gun-mountings, armour-plate, or machinery to be used in the new capital ships; and, if not, what is the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. AMERYAs my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, orders were placed for the guns, gun-mountings and armour plate for the four battle cruisers originally contemplated before the construction of these ships was cancelled as a result of the Washington Naval Treaty. Work done on these items prior to suspension can be partly used for the two new battleships, but as the question whether the laying down of these two ships can be commenced at an earlier date than that provided for in the Navy1736W Estimates is still under consideration, no definite contracts have yet been entered into for the hulls. machinery, etc.