HC Deb 10 June 1898 vol 58 cc1305-6
MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can inform the House of the amount to be spent during the current year on naval works in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively; and whether he will consent to a Return being prepared giving the amount so spent during the five years from 1892 to 1897?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

As was stated yesterday in reply to a similar Question the information cannot be given.

MR. PIRIE

May I ask is it not the case that the information was refused because nothing is spent in Scotland? Is not that why the Government put difficulties in the way of obtaining the information?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; the honourable Gentleman is quite misinformed as to that.

MR. PIRIE

Is not the little that is spent on Scotland out of all proportion—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!