§ MR. ALLAN (Gateshead)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what was the original cost of the twin-screw Nile vessels Albert, Arthur, and Ernest, and how much these vessels were sold for, and to whom; how many trips they made up the Nile before being sold; and whether their working was considered more satisfactory than the stern-wheel type of vessel?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.These steam vessels, when purchased in 1885, cost £12,500 each. They were sold some years afterwards at a heavy loss. Without reference to Egypt, I cannot say how many trips they made; I believe their working was not altogether satisfactory.
§ MR. ALLANCan, the honourable Gentleman tell us to whom the vessels were gold, and is he aware that the new vessels ordered are the same as the old ones and will not be satisfactory either?
§ Mr. POWELL WILLIAMSThe new boats ordered will not be like the ones mentioned in the Question. There is a rule of the Department against giving the price of a particular purchase, or by whom the purchase is made, and it is not thought desirable to depart from the rule in this instance.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The honourable Gentleman has answered the Question.