§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if it is true that the Admiralty have purchased the auxilary yacht, Lancashire Witch, for the Hydro-graphical Department; and, if so, will he state the purchase price, normal speed, and consumption of fuel; also, the amount intended to be expended upon the hull outfit and machinery for the purpose of fitting her for the service; and whether tenders were obtained for a new vessel of similar size prior to the purchase; and, if not, would he explain for what reason?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON, Dundee)The Lancashire Witch has been purchased by the Admiralty for £10,000 for use as a surveying vessel, for which purpose she is very suitable. Speed under trial before purchase was nine knots. It cannot yet be stated what will be the cost of any necessary alterations which may be required to fit 1810 her for the special service on which she is to be employed. No tenders were obtained for a new vessel, because it was unnecessary, as quite suitable vessels existed, and were available.