§ MR. T. FRY (Darlington)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it is a 1247 fact that a contract has been made over a period of five years with one firm in Staffordshire, and another in Cleveland, for the supply of certain classes of iron; and, if so, whether he will state if the same is on a sliding scale, and give the quantity and initial price arranged for; and, if he would give the reasons for sanctioning such long time contracts?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)No, Sir; no such contract has been made.