I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state why there were no three-sixteenth inch plates available at Portsmouth with which to repair the torpedo destroyer "Wear," on the occasion of her collision with the "Etna'' merchant ship.

It had not hitherto been thought necessary to keep a reserve of these plates. Steps are now being taken to secure an adequate reserve.

asked how long the ship was kept in port in consequence.

asked for notice of the Question.