HC Deb 10 February 1899 vol 66 c504
MR. STEADMAN

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, owing to the contractors having had the barge "Hilda" overloaded at Deptford Victualling Yard, a valuable cargo of chocolate, &c, was sunk; and whether the contractors will be held responsible for the damage.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

A barge containing victualling stores sprang a leak when alongside the Royal Victoria Yard, and a portion of the stores were damaged. The barge contractor is considered liable for the damage.