§ COLONEL MAKINSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it be true, as stated in the newspapers, that the Admiralty has in any case promised payment in advance for goods ordered, but which cannot be delivered before the close of the financial year, in order that such payments may be provided out of the Vote of Credit?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir; it is not correct that such payments have been made or promised. With the exception of Colonial produce and stores from abroad, when advances are made on dock warrants and bills of lading, the Admiralty never pay for goods until they are actually delivered, or until— as in the case of machinery, armour-plates, &c.—a certificate has been received from their own officer that sufficient work has been performed to warrant a certain sum being paid on account. This is the rule for payments out of ordinary grants. It has been, and will continue to be, applied to any purchases made out of the Vote of Credit.