asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state the reason why the cruiser "Methuselah" which was laid down in 1916 is still on the stocks unfinished; and will he take steps to secure the completion of its construction?

I cannot identify the vessel named by my hon. Friend, but eight years would seem a short time for the building of a vessel which would have the long life such a name would imply.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept through you, Mr. Speaker, the revision of the name supplied by a rear-admiral from Southsea, that the cruiser's name is "Effingham"; that it has been on the stocks since 1916, and has cost £3,750,000; and, if so, when is it likely to be completed.

The hon. Member seems to know more about it than the Minister.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the tenders for the cruisers will be issued?

The invitations to tender for the proposed cruisers have already been issued.

Has an invitation been sent to Barrow?

I hope Newcastle-upon-Tyne will also receive an invitation.

Viscountess ASTOR:

rose—

These supplementaries are more suitable for the backstairs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to other items in the programme of construction announced by the late Government?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 27th February to the hon. Member for Devonport.