asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why delay is taking place with the proceeding of the work on the battleship on the Tyne; if he is aware that the pattern-makers, who ought to be among the first to start on the job, have not yet started; and, as there is no scarcity of materials, will he state why the pattern-makers and other workmen are not yet employed?

No unavoidable delay is taking place in connection with the work on the battleship in question. The drawing office staffs are engaged in the preparation of the necessary working drawings for issue to the shops, and pattern-making can only commence as these drawings become completed.