§ SIR J. TYRELLwished to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it was true that, in consequence of the great reduction in price that had taken place on provisions generally, and particularly in articles of French manufactures, Her Majesty's Government were contemplating, or had carried into execution, a reduction of the coast-guard service, and that the horses used in that service were sold, or were contemplated to be sold? He wished also to ask whether it was a fact that on the south coast of England French contractors were supplying some of the poor-law unions with provisions?
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, with regard to the first question of the hon. Gentleman, he believed that it would be possible to make considerable reductions in the coast guard. With regard to the second question, Her Ma- 1036 jesty's Government were not in possession of any information which would lead them to suppose that the poor-law unions were supplied with French contracts.
§ SIE J. TYRELLasked if it were not true that the horses of the coast guard were now in the repositories of London for the purpose of being sold?
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERNot that I know of.
§ SIR J. TYRELLBut I can assure you that they are.
§ Subject dropped.