§ MR. J. TOLLEMACHEsaid, he wished to ask Mr. Attorney General a question with respect to the Birkenhead Iron-clads. It appeared that these vessels had been sold to the Government for £220,000, 1002 although the sum at first asked for them was £300,000. He believed, however, that the whole transaction was conducted by the owners of the ships, and not in any way by the builders. He wished to ask his hon. and learned Friend, Whether the offer to sell the Birkenhead Iron-clads at the price of £300,000 was made to the Government by the owners, Messrs. Bravay, or by the builders, Messrs. Laird?
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, in reply, said, the offer was made by the gentlemen representing themselves as the owners, namely, the Messrs. Bravay. No such proposal emanated from the builders, Messrs. Laird.