§ MR. O'DOHERTY (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the steamers used for towing barges and conveying detachments to and from the forts on Lough Swilly county Donegal, have been charted at Southampton; whether tenders were asked for the chartering of said steamers; and, if not, whether in the future owners of steamers plying on Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle will be afforded an opportunity of tendering for this service.
LORD STANLEYTenders were invited in 1899 for this service, and the best offer was made by a Portsmouth firm and was accepted. Offers were obtained locally for the same service in 1900, and the same boat was taken. In 1901 a stronger boat was hired from the same firm; there was no competition. Owners of steamers plying locally are at liberty 787 to offer such steamers to the General Officer commanding Belfast District.
§ MR. O'DOHERTYWhat intimation of the tenders is given locally?