§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether he can state who was the agent through whom H.M.S. "Assistance" was purchased for the service; what was the purchase price, including all extras; at what date was she delivered; and if she is now ready for service as a floating repair ship, with all the necessary plant and tools fitted in her.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe "Assistance" was purchased through the agency of Messrs. John G. Hammond, Junior, & Co. The net purchase price was £121,327. The date of delivery was the 7th August, 1901. The ship is not yet ready for service as a floating repair ship, but it is hoped that she will be completed during the course of the next financial year. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me once more, and for the last time, to ask him if he will give me a little more notice. I ask that on my own behalf, and on that of the officers of the Admiralty, on the ground that it is impossible to give adequate, considered, and full answers, such as hon. Members are entitled to expect, at one day's notice, when perhaps four or five of the principal dockyards have to be consulted.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANWhy did not the Admiralty purchase this vessel direct, instead of through an agent?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI have given all the information I can under the circumstances. If the hon. Member wants more he must put a Question down.
§ MR. WILLIAM ALLANI will do so.