§ MR. HUMPHREYS-OWEN (Montgomeryshire)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can, consistently with the public interest, state how many steamers the Government now have on time charter and how many on voyage charter, also whether he can give a further return, in continuation of that of the 21st May, 1900, of steamers engaged by the Government as transports, with the amounts of the rates and hire paid in respect of them.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.There are now forty-three transports on time charter. Fourteen full cargo freight ships are either loading in England, at sea on their way to the Cape, or awaiting discharge. A Return, in continuation of that of 21st May, 1900, is now being prepared, and will shortly be presented. It is not considered desirable to publish the rates and hire paid in respect of the transports.