MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a statement in Fairplay, of 10th March, to the effect that the cost of adapting an old gunboat for use as a tender to the Bahamas lighthouse has amounted to £11,800; and whether this statement is correct; and, if so, whether in future the propriety will be considered of buying new vessels for tenders, instead of adapting old vessels at such an outlay as this?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThe amount, £11,800, stated by the hon. Member represents the cost of the tender for the Bahamas lighthouse service. It includes the sum paid to the Admiralty for the ship.
§ MR. A. CHAMBERLAIN (Worcestershire, E.)May I ask if I understand the right hon. Gentleman aright that the £11,800 is the whole sum expended in connection with this service?
§ MR. MUNDELLAYes; that includes the cost of the ship.
§ MR. A. CHAMBERLAINAnd all operations?
§ MR. MUNDELLAYes.