§ MR. BROOKE ROBINSON (Dudley)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government are aware that it is alleged the chains sold from the Government Dockyards to dealers at scrap-iron prices, in consequence of being old and worn out, are frequently re-blacked over and re-sold as good chain; and whether, if proof of this practice is furnished to the Admiralty, they will direct that in future these old and worn-out chains shall be either broken up before sale, or otherwise sold in such a manner as many render the practice impossible?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH-Lancashire, Clitheroe)The Admiralty have no information of the existence of the practice described in the hon. Member's question; but if proof should be furnished the subject will receive careful attention.