§ GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOURasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been drawn to articles appearing in the "British Merchant Service Journal," entitled "Slop Work," referring to defects which existed in certain vessels selected for Transport Service during the recent operations in Egypt; and, if he will state whether the Admiralty have consulted the Marine Department of the Board of Trade as to the fitness or otherwise of the numerous merchant vessels which are said to meet the requirements of the Admiralty for the purpose of cruisers or transports?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINSir, it h not usual for the Admiralty to consult the Board of Trade with reference to the vessels engaged in the Transport Service. In the present case the vessels at the time they were hired by the Admiralty had a certificate from the Board of Trade.