Sir SAMUEL ROBERTS:

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to announce the decision of the Government as to the advancement of the date for the commencement of the two new battleships?

asked the Prime Minister whether ii is intended to place the orders for the hulls, armament and machinery for two battleships before the Adjournment: and whether, considering the fact that the actual commencement of building cannot be proceeded with for some months after the orders have been placed, such orders might be given at an early date, so as to provide work during the coming winter for large numbers of men who may otherwise be unemployed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House):

Having regard to the finance of the present year, the Government is not in a position to anticipate the date already fixed for laying down these ships.

Will the right hon. Gentleman further consider that the men engaged in shipbuilding and engineering would be better employed upon this work than upon relief works?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I agree that everybody would be better employed on their own work than upon work we have created for them. We have to take into account all the circumstances.

We are very anxious that these men should not be dispersed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it has been finally decided to lay these two battleships down in private yards?

Does the Leader of the House not know that they can be built better in Glasgow?