§ MR. NORMANTo ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state approximately what amounts of explosives have been shipped to South Africa in British and German vessels respectively during the past three years; and what are the approximate sums that have been paid for the freight of these explosives.
(Answer.) No explosives have been shipped by His Majesty's Government for South Africa in German vessels during the past three years. As regards explosives shipped in British vessels I regret that I am unable to furnish the information asked for, as it cannot be supplied without much time and labour being expended. The items are very numerous, and the shipments took place not only in the weekly packets but also in ships engaged specially at a lump sum to convey full cargoes of Government stores of various descriptions, arid in transport and freight ships carrying troops.—(Admiralty.)