asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the plates of the R.M.S. "Magdalena" are riveted or welded.

The whole of the shell plating of the R.M.S. "Magdalena" was riveted and all deck beams, ship's side-frames and double-bottom floors were riveted to the plating. The plates for decks, bulkheads and tank tops were welded.

Was any departure allowed in regard to British standard rivets?

I could not answer that question, but I can tell my hon. Friend that an inquiry is taking place under the Merchant Shipping Act, and that no doubt that point will come out in the report which is to be made to the Ministry of Transport.

May I ask why this Question has been answered by the Admiralty?

Because the Admiralty is the responsible Department for merchant shipbuilding.