HC Deb 17 June 1886 vol 306 c1700
COMMANDER BETHELL(for Mr. CHARLES WILSON) (Hull, W.)

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, The reason for so great a difference in the contract prices given for building the Australia and Galatea, £152,000 each; Narcissus, £153,500; Orlando and Undaunted, £164,257 each; the tonnage and horse power being the same for each ship?

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham)

The contracts were given to the three firms who sent in the lowest tenders, and were so distributed to insure the most rapid completion of the ships, this being an object of the greatest importance.